Switch

City Winery Philadelphia presents Switch live on August 15th at 8:30pm

From Michigan and Ohio, SWITCH originally consisted of Founder, Gregory Williams (trumpet/keyboards/lead vocals), Bobby DeBarge (lead vocals/ keyboards/drums), Phillip Ingram (lead vocals/percussion/keyboards), Tommy DeBarge (bass/vocals/keyboards), Eddie Fluellen (trombone/ keyboards/vocals) and Jody Sims (drums/vocals). After the break-up of the RCA Records group "White Heat" (which was named and managed by the late music legend Barry White and included Jody, Gregory, and Bobby; and later Tommy), determined to chase his dreams and stay in the record business Gregory, envisioned and soon after formed SWITCH in December 1976.

Upon obtaining a small budget, Gregory relocated each handpicked member of his new band from their individual hometowns to Mansfeild Ohio. After rehearsing, recording and completing an eight-song demo, Gregory, along with Jody flew to Los Angeles where they (within two weeks of their arrival) met Jermaine Jackson. Jackson immediately took the act to Motown Records where they were signed by Berry Gordy, Jr. and managed by his daughter and son-in-law Hazel and Jermaine Jackson.

After personnel changes, in 1983 the group SWITCH-ed from Motown to Total Experience/RCA Records, where they recorded (with new members) one album, "Am I Still Your Boyfriend" released in 1985; out of which came the UK Top 10 single "Keeping Secrets". In 1986, the group disbanded until July 2003, when Switch reunited to do some well received reunion performances. The revived Switch features four original and two new members. Sharing the stage are lead singers Phillip Ingram (Lead vocals/keyboards), Akili Nickson (Lead vocals/percussions) and group founder/leader Gregory Williams (keyboards/vocals), Eddie Fluellen (keyboards/ trombone/vocals), Michael Mcgloiry (Guitar/vocals, Switch original recording guitarist) James Strong (Bass) and Tefere Hazy (Drums) . So, come on down and enjoy the exciting trip down memory lane with Switch!