‘G’ Era

Side A - Loving You

Side B - Making Love

Posted in: Release Listings

Release Date: Monday August 24th 2015

‘G’ Era is the current name of the group formerly known as Bernard Gibson & Liv-N-Proof. The origins of the group began in early 1974 with Bernard Gibson along with his brothers Arthur, Willie and their brother in law Anthony Pilgrim who together with Lucien Thompson formed the group, The Expo’s, who recorded a solitary 45 entitled “Your Best Friend And Me” for the tiny Stall label . Extending their name to ‘The Exportations” they went on to record the acclaimed album for the United Artists label “Meet The Exportations” which the successful lead 45 “Strange Sensations” was taken from.

As the Exportations they would go on to record two desirable 45’s for the local Detroit label Vir-ro “I Want You/Find Another Day” in 1980 followed a year later by “You Did It/Easy Come Easy Go” both of which went on to find favour with the UK modern soul scene and beyond. As the Exportations they also recorded the disco influenced 12” single “Party Down” in 1982. The group’s earliest use of the name Liv-N- Proof came when the recorded “You And I” for the Ju-Par label during 1977.

Bernard Gibson also sang for a while with another Detroit outfit managed by former Dramatic Ron Banks called ‘Five Special”, who’s members were Ron’s brother Bryan, Mike Pettils and Steve Harris. Bernard was present on their first release “The More I Get To Know You” which appeared on the local Detroit T.E.A.I label (which was later picked up for a national release by Mercury Records). Bernard also featured on the groups Elektra outing “Why Leave Us Alone/Your Something Special” before leaving the group to be replaced by Steven Boyd. Bernard’s performing credits also include time with The Floaters, The Jackson Five, David and Eddie Ruffin, as well as a 14 year stint as part of Dennis Edwards Temptations Review. So with the passing of his brother’s and brother in law Bernard formed the new ensemble ‘G’Era with his lifelong friends Gregory Palmer (a.k.a GP) the former lead vocalist of ‘Unexpected Pleasure’ the opening act for Rose Royce, Lou Rawls and The Jones Girls amongst others, and Douglas Gaddy (a.k.a Charles Gee) who as part of the group ‘The Admirations’ opened shows for such esteemed Detroit acts as Enchantment, The Dramatics, The Miracles, Al Hudson, Ronnie McNair and Phyllis Hyman etc. Douglas is the featured lead vocalist on “Loving You” with the additional bass vocals being provided by Odell Jones a former member of Joe Billingsley’s version of the Contours. “Loving You” and Making Love” were both produced under the auspices of Soul Junction’s old friend and Detroit Black Smoke Studio owner A.J. Sparks of “Working On Love” (SJ520) fame.

Words By: David Welding.