In addition to being a principal member of THE MANHATTANS, Blue is a producer, manager and writer. During his illustrious career he has performed worldwide with hundreds of R&B artists from the 60's into the new millennium. In 1985, he introduced to the music world the soulful talents of Regina Belle.
He has written many hit songs including the classic "Kiss And Say Goodbye". Blue states, "there were lots of songs I sat down and composed. I did big arrangements on them--worked on them for a week and nothing happened. A lot of times I heard songs in my sleep but was too tired to get up and struggle into where the piano was. But this particular night, I couldn't just lie there. I heard the melody...everything was there. I got up around 3:00 in the morning and jotted down the things I wanted to say. I just put the words together on my tape recorder and little piano". He believes that everyone can relate to the message of this song; especially if they've experienced the heartache of that one special person...it's the love triangle situation we've all been through. |
As any R&B enthusiast will attest, the name Gerald Alston has always been synonymous with soul, elegance and sophistication.
Born and raised in Henderson, North Carolina where both his mother and father sang gospel music, Gerald was raised on the gospel music he heard in church and at home (his uncle, Johnny Fields is one of the Five Blind Boys of Alabama). Enroute to a college degree as a pre-med student with a music minor, the fates intervened and Gerald left college to join The Manhattans as lead singer. After sixteen years, Gerald left to pursue a solo career. His 1987 debut album with Motown Records was entitled "Gerald Alston" followed by "Open Invitation" in 1990. His third album in 1992 "Always In The Mood" was a blend of classic R&B songs with 90's music and nuances. In 1993, Gerald signed with Scottie Brothers/Street Life Records and recorded his debut album entitled "1st Class Only" which he believes is one of the best albums he recorded. |
Born to Laura Lee Tyson and Edward Lewis Harvey, David Tyson grew up in music. His brother Ron Tyson of The Temptations always had groups singing in the basement of his mother's home when he was a child. He discovered his love of music as a child by watching and listening to his brother's groups at The Uptown Theater in
Philadelphia. David formed his own group Final Touch which won first place in an African-American talent contest later held at that same theater. One day he got a call from his brother Ron telling him that The Manhattans were looking for a tenor. So...world renowned choreographer Cholly Atkins connected him with Blue Lovett for an audition. Blue liked his audition and he was hired. |
Troy May, born in Camp LeJeune, North Carolina
and raised in Brooklyn, New York, has for most of his life had a love for music and the arts. Troy attended Julia Richmond High School's "Talent Unlimited" program where he hung out with classmates Kadeem Hardison (A Different World), Malik Yoba (New York Undercover), Lisa Lisa (Cult Jam) among others. During his tenure there, Troy studied music, acting and dance. Later in his career, he performed solo throughout the metropolitan area and worked as a demo singer for producers Herb Middleton and Tony Prendatt (former A&R director for Polygram Records) as he sought a recording contract. Troy was later introduced to Blue Lovett by longtime friend James Simmons. Together Blue and James assisted Troy in launching his career as a solo artist. In the interim, Blue Lovett and Gerald Alston had decided to launch The Manhattans reunion tour. Blue offered Troy the opportunity to join the group and needless to say, Troy accepted wholeheartedly. Troy co-leads with Gerald on a song in The Manhattans dynamic stage show. In his spare time, Troy enjoys playing pool, listening to jazz, cooking, reading and partying. |