Imagination

 

Imagination were a trio from the U.K. that put a synthesized and often clubby spin on soul groups from the '70s. In fact, a couple of '70s groups have direct ties to Imagination; Leee John and Ashley Ingram spent time during that decade playing supportive roles in the Delfonics and Chairmen of the Board, prior to Imagination's formation. Along with drummer Errol Kennedy, vocalist John and bassist Ingram formed the group in 1981. By the end of that year, they already had their first album released and a minor hit in the form of that album's title track, "Body Talk." The group's second album, 1982's In The Heat Of The Night, was their most successful, spawning a trio of U.S. R&B chart hits in the form of "Just An Illusion" (number 27), "Music And Lights" (number 52), and "Changes" (number 46). Those singles were even more popular in their home country, with the first pair reaching the Top Five. The remix collection Night Dubbing appeared the following year, as did the group's third proper album, Scandalous. The group's success fizzled until their mid-'90s breakup (at the time, Leee John was the only remaining original member), though 1984's "This Means War" was able to put a dent in the U.S. R&B chart. John remained active in the entertainment industry, hosting U.K. television programs and continuing his recording career as a solo artist and collaborator. Since the group's split, several compilations have been released; Music Club's The Very Best Of Imagination is the best place to start.

Illusion
Illusion
Illusion
Illusion

Searching for a destiny that's mine
There's another place another time
Touching many hearts along the way
Yeah
Hoping that I'll never have to say

It's just an illusion (Ooohhh ah ah) - illusion (Ooohhh ah ah) - illusion.
Follow your emotions anywhere
Is it really magic in the air?
Never let your feelings get you down
Open up your eyes and look around
It's just an illusion (Ooohhh ah ah) - illusion (Ooohhh ah ah) - illusion.

Could it be that it's just an illusion putting me back in all this confusion?
Could it be that it's just an illusion now?
Could it be that it's just an illusion putting me back in all this confusion?
Could it be that it's just an illusion now?

Could it be a picture in my mind? Never sure exactly what I'll find.
Only in my dreams I turn you on
Here for just a moment then you're gone.
It's just an illusion (Ooohhh ah ah) - illusion (Ooohhh ah ah) - illusion.

(Ooohhh ah ah) - illusion (Ooohhh ah ah) - illusion
(Ooohhh ah ah) - illusion (Ooohhh ah ah) - illusion.

Could it be that it's just an illusion putting me back in all this confusion?
Could it be that it's just an illusion now?
Could it be that it's just an illusion putting me back in all this confusion?
Could it be that it's just an illusion now? . . .

James Ingram

Born: February 16, 1956 in Akron, OH
Years Active: 80 's, 90 's
Genre: R&B

James Ingram began performing with the band Revelation Funk in the early '70s, moving from Akron, Ohio to Los Angeles in 1973. During the '70s, Ingram supported Ray Charles on the road with backup vocals and piano, played keyboards behind the Coasters on Dick Clark's oldies revues, and was Leon Haywood's musical director. After hearing a demo of him singing "Just Once," Quincy Jones asked Ingram to perform on his new album. Released in 1980 on The Dude, the number 17 "Just Once" was Ingram's first success, resulting in three Grammy nominations -- Best New Artist, Best Pop Male Vocal, and Best R&B Vocal -- winning in the two latter categories. Throughout the '80s, Ingram had steady popular success singing duets, but all of his solo albums failed to make a dent in the charts; in 1990 he scored his first solo hit, "I Don't Have the Heart."