By any measurement, the Step By Step Band must be considered one of the most important Soul Music groups of the past 30 years. Originally a regionally popular group in Milwaukee, the group was together for a decade before getting a major break by teaming with young songwriter/producers Eddie Parnell and Benny Clark. Their first album on Brunswick Records, "I Always Wanted To Be In The Band", was a masterpiece, highlighted by Johnnie Gee's master composition, “Roses.”

Soul establishments all over the Midwest had "Beggin You To Stay" on their 'Juke Boxes" and "Roses" was classified as the high school 'Scocop' jam we use to attend in school at lunch hour.

During the period of Milwaukee's International’s 70s dominance of the airwaves, it was clear that the Step By Step Band were the foundation of Midwest Radio, WAWA, WNOV were the best Midwest local radio round in the 70's. The contrasting sounds of the gruff, electrifying voice of Johnnie Gee and the mellifluous tones of Greg McDonald gave the group, the ability to masterfully handle the funkiest cuts Eddie Parnell and Benny Clark could throw at them and yet also handle ballads beautifully.

They generally received the best songs and the most creative Eddie Parnell and Benny Clark arrangements, with far more hits than misses. Songs like “I Always Wanted To Be In The Band", “So Very Near You,” and the classic “I'm Glad” all appeared to be a year or two ahead of what everyone else was doing, and made each new Step By Step release an event. And, as the vehicle for P&C’s social statements, the group released some of the most intelligent, relevant album cuts of the decade.

Their mid-70s albums, especially 'Beggin You To Saty, are worth seeking out. As the 70s ended, the Eddie Parnell & Benny Clark sound became more familiar -- even formulaic -- but the Step By Step album continued to include fine material like "Roses", and always wonderful vocal performance.

This classic group has never stoped selling music all over the country, and recently just released this classic Brunswick/Sidetraxx Records collectors LP, on CD. Get your own personal cpoy of these classic tunes and more@
http://www.gecomgroup.net/orderstepbystepLPPayPal.html

This is one of the songs that became the Midwest favorite.
Titled: Cash Money" and "Roses (1976 Original Music Master)