Booker Newberry III
Booker Newberry III (born January 19, 1956 in Youngstown, Ohio[1]) is an American singer and keyboardist, who was a member of the mid 1970s soul groups Sweet Thunder ("Baby I Need Your Love Today"), and Impact, before pursuing a solo career.[1] He is probably best remembered for his 1983 hit called, "Love Town".
Career
Newberry began his professional singing career in the group Mystic Nights around 1971.[1] Moving to Philadelphia he became the lead singer of Sweet Thunder, which also included drummer John Aaron, bassist Rudell Alexander, and guitarist Charles Buie.[1] Signing with the Philly-based record label WMOT Records, the group's single, "Baby I Need Your Love Today" b/w "I Don't Care What You Say," stirred interest and was picked up for distribution by Berkeley, California based Fantasy Records.[1]
The group recorded three albums, Above The Clouds (1976), Sweet Thunder (1978), and Horizons (1979), the latter of which saw the single "I Leave You Stronger," go to #63 Billboard R&B chart in late 1979.[1] Newberry joined another WMOT Records group, Impact, who was best known for the dance hits "Give a Broken Heart a Break" and "Rainy Days Stormy Nights."[1]
Newberry signed with Neil Bogart's Casablanca Records in 1983, and his solo single "Love Town" originally released on the Boardwalk label, was a Top 10 UK hit.[1][2] The Love Town album was issued the same year.[1] He has also recorded for Malaco Records and Omni Records - (the LP Take a Piece of Me).[1]