Side Effect was an American disco and jazz-funk band, that recorded between 1972 and 1982. The group was formed in Los Angeles, California in 1972 by Augie Johnson who became their leader.[1]

Side Effect
OriginLos Angeles, California, U.S.
GenresR&B, funk, soul, jazz
Years active1972–1982
LabelsFantasy Records, Elektra Records
MembersBobbie Anderson
Milton Ellis
Barry Jackson
Past membersAugie Johnson
Sylvia Nabors
Helen Lowe
Miki Howard
Lometta Johnson
Jim Gilstrap
Gregory Matta
Louie Patton

Career

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Side Effect was formed by Augie Johnson and members, Lometta Johnson, Jim Gilstrap, Gregory Matta and Louis Patton in May 1972.[1][2] The group played many Los Angeles area clubs and within a few months the group signed their first record deal with a company called Avenue of America-Gas Records with whom they recorded their first album Effective.[2] The album did not chart. Not discouraged, Side Effect continued to evolve. They changed female lead vocalists, from Lometta Johnson to Sylvia Nabors, and soon joined At-Home Productions, a production company headed by Wayne Henderson of The Crusaders.[2]

This new association would bear fruit with a new record deal with Fantasy Records. The self-titled Side Effect was released in 1975[1] but it did not chart. By their third album, What You Need they had switched vocalists from Sylvia Nabors to Helen Lowe,[1] now gospel superstar Helen Baylor. This was their first charting album going to number 26 on the R&B chart. Two more albums Goin' Bananas and Rainbow Visions were released now featuring vocalist Sylvia St.[1] James who replaced Lowe but they charted moderately. After these four albums were completed, Side Effect left Fantasy Records and was picked up by Elektra Records.[2] After the Rain now featuring a 19-year-old Miki Howard replacing St. James on vocals was released in 1980. It did not do well on the charts as well as the next two Elektra albums Portraits and All Aboard.

Howard left the group and began a solo career in 1986.[3] The group briefly re-united and issued a single entitled "I Love You" in 1987 (Striped Horse record label). They later became known as Augie's Side Effect.

On October 10, 2014, founder Augie Johnson died at age 66.[4] On June 16, 2020, Louie Patton died at age 71, leaving behind 5 children and 3 grandchildren.[5]

Discography

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Studio albums

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Year Album Chart positions Record label
US
US R&B
[6]
1973 Effective GAS Records
1975 Side Effect Fantasy Records
1976 What You Need 115 26
1977 Goin' Bananas 86 53
1978 Rainbow Visions 135 57
1980 After the Rain 70 Elektra
1981 Portraits 52
1982 All Aboard
1995 "N" Effect Dog House Records
"—" denotes the album failed to chart

Singles

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Year Single Chart positions
US R&B
[7]
US Dance
[8]
1976 "Always There" 56 20
1977 "Finally Found Someone" 85
"Keep That Same Old Feeling" 22
"S.O.S." 88
1978 "It's All in Your Mind" 18
1979 "She's a Lady" 68
1980 "Georgy Porgy" 77
"Superwoman" 64
1981 "Make You Mine" 26 73
1987 "I Love You"
"—" denotes the single failed to chart

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Henderson, Alex. "Artist Biography". AllMusic.
  2. ^ a b c d "Augie's Side Effect (FON)". Soulinterviews.com. Archived from the original on June 5, 2011. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  3. ^ "Side Effect Page". Soulwalking.co.uk. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  4. ^ "R.I.P. Side Effect founder Augie Johnson". SoulTracks. October 12, 2014. Retrieved January 23, 2020.
  5. ^ Rizik, Chris (July 3, 2020). "R.I.P. Side Effect singer and co-founder Louie Patton". SoulTracks. Retrieved July 3, 2020.
  6. ^ "Chart History - Side Effect: TOP R&B/HIP-HOP ALBUMS". Billboard. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  7. ^ "Chart History - Side Effect: HOT R&B/HIP-HOP SONGS". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 18, 2021. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  8. ^ "Chart History - Side Effect: DANCE CLUB SONGS". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 17, 2021. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
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