Page 19 - The Ritchie family

The Ritchie Family Bio cont.

The excitement of world touring, regular television appearances on Soul Train, Disco ’77, American Bandstand, and other programs, and their lofty
ranking in the clubs, were among the vivid, memorable highlights of this time—and they still resonate strongly for the ladies. The Ritchie Family’s
unique, inviting harmonies and irresistible beats became one of the most memorable signature grooves of the disco era. “The music we did with
Jacques,” says Cassandra, “[definitely] had longevity and impact.”
By the end of the ’70s, tastes were changing, and The Ritchie Family’s producers sought to move the group in a new direction. The time had come
for Cheryl, Cassandra and Gwendolyn to part from The Ritchie Family, but they continued to make an impact upon pop music. For a time,
Cassandra and Cheryl advanced their music careers by providing background vocals on John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s immortal 1980 album,
Double Fantasy. Scheduled to go on tour with Lennon, the ladies were devastated, along with the rest of the world, to hear the news that Lennon
had been killed. They then put their music careers on hold for a number of years, pursuing instead other personal interests and family life.

However, after years of hearing and seeing others perform their hits, Cassandra and Cheryl eventually decided it was time to regroup. With the
introduction of singer, songwriter and choreographer, Renée Guillory-Wearing, who took the place of Gwendolyn Wesley, The Ritchie Family was
ready to reinvent their sound and bring their energy to the world of contemporary pop and dance music. In 2016, the trio released the single “Ice”,
a heart-stopping musical journey that shows their still commanding vocal presence in a most unique, decidedly hip and deliciously unexpected way.
Produced by legendary vocalist Martha Wash’s Purple Rose label (the same team that recently brought the group First Ladies of Disco back to the
Top 10 of Billboard’s dance chart), “Ice” by The Ritchie Family promises to be one of the most talked about comebacks of the modern era. Zach
Adam, who composed First Ladies of Disco’s hit “Show Some Love”, has written the track working with executive producer and A&R front man,
James Washington. “Ice” is an exciting and expressive song, filled with unexpected turns and irresistible positivity, much like the new Ritchie

Family group itself.
The ladies have managed to beautifully straddle that fine line where the fun and festiveness of dance music history’s most celebrated period meets
the drive and powerful edginess of the twenty-first century.