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Born in Columbia, South Carolina, the brothers Ty (left) and Al (right) moved to Philadelphia at early age
where they continue to live and work as of today. Their first recording was in 1972 as 'The Chestnut Tree'.
They had their 'Sweet Little Rita' released on the Montreal based Street-Level label in 1983, which has become
a much desired collectors item. Read more about the Chestnut Brothers in the exclusive interview below.
Listen to a sample of 'Sweet Little Rita'
Interview with The Chestnut Brothers
Danceclassics.net:
I'm having the chance to interview another act from the long gone Street-Level stable: The Chestnut Brothers.
This versatile duo is praised for their gift of creating good music and their commitment in their share of making
the world a better place to live. Hello Al & Ty, glad to have you on my site. How are you doing?
The Chestnut Brothers:
Hi Ed. we're OK.
Danceclassics.net:
For us 80's freaks, you are quite famous because of your wonderful and happy 'Sweet Little Rita' record.
However, your music career goes back as far as the mid 60's. What are your backgrounds and musical influences?
The Chestnut Brothers:
We were fortunate to have been raised in a musical household so, our biggest initial influences were right at home. Danceclassics.net: The Chestnut Brothers: As with most of the songs we write, the inspiration for it emanated from a true life experience. Danceclassics.net: The Chestnut Brothers: She was (and still is) a beautiful girl, with whom Al was in love with back in 1972 and we still have a Danceclassics.net: The Chestnut Brothers: She LOVES the record and was blown away when she first heard it. Danceclassics.net: The Chestnut Brothers: Though we do have our suspicions, we can't say with certainty why it
was never released in the U.S. Danceclassics.net: The Chestnut Brothers: No, we weren't aware of the BMC release. For the record, our relationship and communication Danceclassics.net: The Chestnut Brothers: No. As far as we know, it never made it to U.S. radio stations. Danceclassics.net: The Chestnut Brothers: Bittersweet. Flattered by the interest, but angered and insulted by the fact that we have never been rightfully compensated.
Danceclassics.net: The Chestnut Brothers: In the 80's we were involved in several production situations. Most notably, signing with "12th St. Productions", which Danceclassics.net: The Chestnut Brothers: Our recordings have gained international recognition long before the 90's. Starting with "Super Lovin" which was released in Danceclassics.net: The Chestnut Brothers: Earlier this year, we consummated a licensing deal with FTM BV Records (from Amsterdam) for the re-release Danceclassics.net: The Chestnut Brothers: Firstly, we were blessed to have been raised by parents with HUGE humanitarian spirits, who served as great Danceclassics.net: The Chestnut Brothers: We can't find the words to thank the fans enough for their continuous support and undying loyalty throughout *****
Pops played a mean tenor sax, Mom sang in a gospel choir and our older sister was the featured vocalist in a local jazz quintet.
During our pre-teen years we gravitated to "doo-whop" and joined (or started) a few quartets and quintets, emulating artists who
were popular back then such as The Impressions, The Temptations, The Drifters, Little Anthony & the Imperials, Gladys Knight
& the Pips, etcetera. But when we first heard Sam & Dave (and shortly thereafter, the Righteous Brothers), we KNEW our
destiny was to pursue our dreams as a duo.
You recorded some 45's prior to 'Sweet Little Rita', singles that I am not familiar with though.
Was 'Sweet Little Rita' a logical follow-up, or was it written out of the blue, in the fashion of that day?
So Rita was a beautiful girl nextdoor that you were in love with at that time?
And wasn't the original title for the song 'Sweet Loretta' by the way?
VERY warm and close relationship with her and her husband. The title has always been "Sweet Little Rita".
The reference as "Loretta" was a typographical error made by the British press and errantly spread as fact.
How nice to hear that you still have contact with Rita. She must have been very flattered with your song. :)
Does she like your record?
She's even more flattered by the song and the longevity of appreciation demonstrated by our fans.
Many people think that the artists who had their records released on Street-Level are from
Canada but these performers were mostly from Philadelphia, the town where you still live today.
Do you know why 'Sweet Little Rita' wasn't released for the american market?
Did you know that 'Sweet Little Rita' was also released in Europe on the BMC label?
with Street-Level left a lot to be desired. So unfortunately, we weren't privy to most of the marketing,
distribution and licensing activity that related to the project.
What happened after the release? Did you ever hear it on the air?
It did make it's way to the underground record collecting circuit, be it for very high prices nowadays.
What do you feel when you see your record fetching between 300 and 400 dollars on eBay?
Unfortunately, it seems the case with many artists, not being compensated for their hard work.
Tell me, have you released more funky stuff in the early 80's apart from 'Sweet Little Rita'?
was started by world renowned engineer and Sigma Sound studio chief Joe Tarsia. Although we recorded several tracks that
generated interest with Virgin Records and several other labels, no deals (as far as we know) were consummated and after a year,
we decided to part company. Shortly afterwards, we were featured as lead vocalists with "Missing Links" on the MCA released "Groovin"
album which also features an all star cast of top name cats in the contemporary Jazz genre such as Grammy award winning sax/flutist
Najee, bassist (and co-producer) Victor Bailey, guitarists Nile Rodgers (from "Chic") and John Scofield, percussionist George Jinda
("Special EFX") and drummers Omar Hakim & Dennis Chambers, to name a few. We concluded the 80's with the initial
release of our "Whole Lotta You In Me", which became a significant hit in the United Kingdom.
It wasn't until the early 90's and after a name change that you gained international recognition, right?
You released 2 albums including some hit singles, and performed all over the world as 'Brotherly Love' and
even recorded with the late Luther Vandross. Who else did you work with?
1972 on Paramount Records. From all indications, our most popular release internationally, is still "Whole Lotta You In Me" featuring
the late, great Grover Washington, Jr. Which was released originally as a 7" single in 1989, then again as the B side of the
"Hey Sweet Lady" 12" single in 1990 and also, on our "Brotherly Love" album in 1993.
Your third album is due to come out and you told me there will be a re-issue of 'Sweet Little Rita'?
Can you tell us more about that?
of 'Sweet Little Rita', to be distributed & marketed in France, the Netherlands and Benelux. Though, the initial projection
for release was July, it was pushed back to late September/early October. So, it remains to be seen if that comes to fruition.
Meanwhile, we temporarily put completion of the new album on hold, to allow us to focus exclusively on our "Stop The Violence"
and "Save Our Children" campaign endeavors. We'll soon be ready to refocus on that project and hopefully finish the record
by years end, with a release date scheduled for early 2006.
Besides making music you are both socially very active as well, supporting campaigns against violence
and poverty and providing songs to all kind of organizations. How come you are so involved and do you believe
your music has a positive impact in addressing these issues?
role models for us and at very young ages, we were taught the value of giving and extending oneself to benefit others.
Consequently, humanitarianism is in our genes and has always come naturally. Secondly, our "message" oriented songs seem
to have a healing affect on those that have embraced them. So, we consider our social consciousness and human rights
activism initiatives as much of a priority as our creative endeavors. One merely has to look at the state of the
world to find inspiration for relative subject matter to write about. Sad, but true.
Thanks Al and Ty, for your contribution to dance music and your answers to my questions.
I hope you will succeed in everything you do, now and in the future. A final word to your fans?
the years. But, we pledge to stay true to our groove and look forward to keep making music that makes their spirits smile.
In closing, we'd also like to thank you Ed, for the opportunity to do this interview. It was truly a pleasure.
Ty & Al Chestnut.
More about the Chestnut Brothers
October, 2005