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William Dalrymple (historian)
Benny Diggs | |
|---|---|
| Born | Bennie Diggs |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1970-present |
| Musical career | |
| Origin | New York City |
| Genres | |
| Instruments | Vocalist |
| Labels | |
Bennie Diggs known professionally as Benny Diggs, is an American R&B and soul music director, vocalist, composer, and session musician best known for founding the New York Community Choir, and for co-founding the R&B group Revelation, along with Phillip Ballou, Arthur Freeman, and Arnold McCuller, and as a session singer on recordings by Nikki Giovanni, Carly Simon, Joe Cocker, Nancy Wilson, Ramsey Lewis, Robert Palmer and numerous others.
Career
Revelation
In 1974, Diggs co-founded the R&B vocal group Revelation, alongside NYCC members Phillip Ballou, Arthur Freeman, and Arnold McCuller. From 1975-1982, the group released five gospel-infused R&B records under RSO Records, RCA Records, and Handshake Records.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]
New York Community Choir
In 1970, Diggs founded the New York Community Choir, which originally consisted of around 100 members. The choir, with Diggs as musical director, was featured on poet Nikki Giovanni’s album The Truth Is on Its Way. Giovanni would read her poems alongside gospel music performed by the NYCC at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall.[9][10][2][11][12][13]
In 1977, the choir signed with RCA Records and released their self-titled debut album. The following year, they released Make Every Day Count, which included the dance hit “Express Yourself”. The record was produced by Warren Schatz, with Diggs contributing as a songwriter, arranger, and musical director.[14]
In 1995, Diggs performed as conductor for Jazz at Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis.[15]
Diggs has produced recordings for Cissy Houston, Nancy Wilson, and Patti Austin, and has been a session singer on recordings for Nikki Giovanni, Carly Simon, Joe Cocker, Nany Wilson, Ramsey Lewis, Robert Palmer, among others. In addition, Diggs was musical director for the animated feature film "Twist!", which features Snoop Dogg and Patti LaBelle.[16]
Personal life
Benny Diggs has one son with Rozelia Diggs.[17]
Discography
With Revelation
- 1975: Revelation
- 1976: Get Ready For This
- 1979: Book of Revelation
- 1980: Don't Let Me Down
- 1981: Love Suite
- 1982: Revelation
References
- ^ Alterman, Loraine (1974-01-27). "Pop". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2025-04-25.
- ^ a b NEW YORK BEAT. Johnson Publishing Company. 1975-12-18.
- ^ "CASHBOX NEWS" (PDF). CASHBOX. 11 Oct 1980. p. 7. Retrieved 22 Apr 2025.
- ^ "BLACK CONTEMPORARY" (PDF). CASH BOX. 1 Aug 1981. p. 35. Retrieved 22 Apr 2025.
- ^ Marovich, Bob (2020-05-08). "RIP: Gospel's Arthur Freeman of Isaac Douglas Singers, New York Community Choir, Revelation". Journal of Gospel Music. Retrieved 2025-04-25.
- ^ "PHILLIP BALLOU: Ain't Nothing Like The Love (SoulMusic Records/Warner X)". Soulmusic.com. 2020-06-19. Retrieved 2025-04-25.
- ^ dnathan (2022-05-24). "Classic Soul Interview: Revelation (1975)". Soulmusic.com. Retrieved 2025-04-25.
- ^ "Top Single Picks" (PDF). Billboard. 14 Feb 1981. p. 71. Retrieved 26 Apr 2025.
- ^ Green, Penelope (2024-12-10). "Nikki Giovanni, Poet Who Wrote of Black Joy, Dies at 81". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2025-04-25.
- ^ "The New York Community Choir Songs, Albums, Re..." AllMusic. Retrieved 2025-04-25.
- ^ Ledbetter, Les (1972-07-21). "Sunday Is Soul Day at Lincoln Center". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2025-04-25.
- ^ Johnson Ware, Irene (28 Jul 1973). "GOSPEL TIME" (PDF). Record World. p. 51. Retrieved 26 Apr 2025.
- ^ Johnson Ware, Irene (10 Mar 1973). "GOSPEL TIME" (PDF). Record World. p. 54. Retrieved 26 Apr 2025.
- ^ Make Every Day Count - The New York Community ... | AllMusic, retrieved 2025-04-25
- ^ "Benny Diggs". wyntonmarsalis.org. Retrieved 2025-04-25.
- ^ "newsline..." (PDF). Billboard. p. 64. Retrieved 26 Apr 2025.
- ^ "Lifelines" (PDF). p. 98. Retrieved 26 Apr 2025.
External links
- Benny Diggs discography at Discogs
- Benny Diggs at AllMusic