The Real Milli Vanilli
| Company type | Music group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1991 |
| Founder | Frank Farian |
| Products | Studio album: The Moment of Truth |
| Owner | Frank Farian (producer) |
The Moment of Truth stands as the sole studio album released by the pop ensemble the Real Milli Vanilli, debuting in 1991.
History
Following the success of Milli Vanilli's initial album, All or Nothing—which was repackaged for the US market as Girl You Know It's True—The Moment of Truth was originally planned to serve as its successor. However, after it became public knowledge that Rob Pilatus and Fab Morvan were not the actual vocalists on the recordings, producer Frank Farian assembled the Real Milli Vanilli group comprising the true singers, including new additions Gina Mohammed and Ray Horton. Due to a confidentiality clause, original vocalist Charles Shaw did not take part in this project. The majority of lead vocals throughout the album were performed by Brad Howell, who had provided many lead parts on earlier Milli Vanilli tracks. Additionally, the album features rap contributions from Icy Bro on "Hard as Hell" and Tammy T on "Too Late (True Love)".
The album’s cover art displays Brad Howell, Icy Bro, Ray Horton, Gina Mohammed, and John Davis. Initially named Keep on Running after its lead single and slated for release in January 1991, the album's title was changed to The Moment of Truth following the lip-syncing controversy surrounding Milli Vanilli. Despite this change, "Keep on Running" still appears on the album's spine.
Issued exclusively in markets such as Brazil, Europe, Asia, and New Zealand, the album achieved a position within Germany’s top 20 charts. The Real Milli Vanilli issued three singles from this record; notably, "Keep on Running" reached number four on German music charts.
Of particular interest is "When I Die", penned by Diane Warren, which has been interpreted by multiple artists including Frank Farian’s own project No Mercy. This track was featured on the soundtrack for the 1991 Brazilian soap opera Lua Cheia de Amor and gained radio traction in Brazil. Another Diane Warren composition from the album, "Tell Me Where It Hurts", was later covered by Christian vocalist Kathy Troccoli, who released it as a single in 1994.
The Real Milli Vanilli
- John Davis – lead and backing vocals
- Brad Howell – lead vocals
- Gina Mohammed – vocals
- Ray Horton – vocals
- Linda Rocco – vocals
- Jodie Rocco-Hafner – vocals
Additional musicians
- Joan Faulkner – backing vocals
- Frank Farian – backing vocals and production duties
- Franco Dittman – backing vocals
- P.G. Wylder – keyboards, arrangements, programming
- Marc Dalton – guitar performances
- Peter Weihe – guitar contributions
- Ed DeGenaro – guitar work
- Mike Wonder – programming
- Kerim Saka – programming
- Tobias Freund – programming and engineering
- Mel Collins – saxophone parts
- Dino Solera – horn sections
- Felice Civitareale – horn sections
- Claus Reichstaller – horn sections
- Curt Cress – drums
Technical personnel
- Bernd Berwan – engineering tasks
- Helmut Rulofs – engineering responsibilities
- Michael Bestmann – engineering work
- Norbert G. Yanicke – engineering duties
- Milli-Ingrid Segieth – production coordination
- Hans Wegner – cover artwork design
- Helge Strauß and Manfred Esser – photography
Weekly charts
Template:Album chartTemplate:Album chartTemplate:Album chartTemplate:Album chart| Chart (1991) | Highest ranking |
|---|---|
| Portugal (Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa) | 8 |
Try 'N' B
In 1992, RCA Records released an album under the name Try 'N' B, which featured seven reimagined tracks from The Moment of Truth. This project introduced vocalists Tracy Ganser and Kevin Weatherspoon. Additionally, the album contained three new songs: "Ding Dong", "Who Do You Love", and a rendition of Dr. Hook's "Sexy Eyes".
John Davis, who played a significant role in these musical endeavors, died on 24 May 2021 as a result of complications from COVID-19.
Personnel
- Frank Farian – production
- P.G. Wylder – keyboards, arrangement, programming
- Marc Dalton, Peter Weihe – guitar performances
- Mike Wonder, Kerim Saka – arrangements and programming
- Tobias Freund – programming and engineering
- Mel Collins – saxophone contributions
- Dino Solera, Felice Civitareale, Claus Reichstaller – horn sections
- Engineering staff: Bernd Berwanger, Todd Canedy, Helmut Rulofs, Michael Bestmann, Norbert G. Yanicke
- Milli-Ingrid Segieth – coordination of production
- Mike Schraft – photography
- Jacqueline Murphy – logo design