Russell Thompkins, Jr. New Single "Lilacs In The Rain"
Forevermore announces a limited “pre-release” of a collaboration between two artists who are known for their distinctive voices but in different domains. The iconic Russell Thompkins, Jr. of the Stylistics fame, along with New York radio personality Maurice “The Voice” Watts. Together they have combined their talents to recreate a ‘lost and forgotten’ gem originally recorded by the legendary vocal group The Ravens, “Lilacs In The Rain”.
“Lilacs” is sure to intrigue fans and listeners of all generations. Former Billboard Program Director of the Year, Fessa’ John Hook called it “out of this world”.
Known for his deep vocal resonance, Forevermore Music knew Maurice would be the perfect choice for the low bass vocal portions of the song. Biehler stated, “We asked him, and he agreed right away…who wouldn’t want to be on a Russell Thompkins, Jr. song?” Both Maurice and Russell have been friends for many years and have always talked about working together if they could find the “right song”….without a doubt, “Lilacs In The Rain” is the RIGHT SONG!
More information will be forthcoming. ~ Christopher Biehler – FOREVERMORE MUSIC
“LILACS IN THE RAIN“
Russell Thompkins, Jr.
featuring Maurice “The Voice” Watts
PRESS PLAY For Lilacs in The Rain
I’ve always admired Russell’s voice since I was a little boy living in the Bronx, NY. The first time I heard it was actually by mistake. I’d saved up my allowance to purchase The Jackson 5 “Greatest Hits” on 8 Track, only to discover when I arrived home that the 8 Track was mislabeled and I ended up with The Greatest Hits of The Stylistics. It was that day that I knew I was listening to something unique. I’ve been a Stylistics fan ever since, but more so, I was intrigued by their lead singer, Russell Thompkins, Jr. I played that 8 Track almost every day until it wouldn’t play anymore. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine that I would be afforded the opportunity to not only meet him but to become friends with him, promote his solo CD, book him on concerts, and now actually record on a music project with him. Somebody pinch me and wake me up! When Russell informed me in October of 2022 that he was working on a song, he said he wanted me to sing bass on it. Of course, I thought he was joking but he said he was serious. As well as we knew each other, I felt compelled to inform him that I wasn’t an actual bass singer and he replied, “If I say you’re a bass singer, you’re a bass singer.” He sent me the original track by The Ravens and instantly I fell in love with the song. Immediately, I went to work on improving my vocals because, as our mutual friend, Ali Woodson of The Temptations, who gave me the opportunity in 2002 to live out my Temptations dream on stage as the bass singer with his group, The Emperors of Soul, I knew I had to be on my “A” game for Russell. By the time we went into the studio to lay down our vocals, I was as ready as I could be and the rest is now history. The hardest part was keeping it a secret for so long from my family and friends. I hope everyone who listens to this song will enjoy it as much as we enjoyed recording it for you. Please sign my GUESTBOOK below to let Russell & me know how you like the song. Chris, thanks for the opportunity, and my dear friend, the iconic Mr. Russell Thompkins, Jr., thanks for believing in me. I will be forever indebted to you my friend.
Maurice “The Voice” Watts
Russell Thompkins, Jr. can also be seen in the DVD documentary "30 Years Behind The Mic" - Maurice "The Voice" Watts