Surface - All I Want Is You 1990 (Featuring Regina Belle)

From Surface's Thrid Album 3Deep

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Biography by Ed Hogan

When you think of the group Surface, the term disco dancefloor doesn't come to mind. The '80s soft soul vocal trio known for such lush ballads as "Closer Than Friends" and the million-selling singles "Shower Me With Your Love" and the number one pop hit "The First Time" had one of its first charting records as artists signed to dance music pioneer Salsoul Records. "Falling in Love," co-written by Surface member David Conley, doesn't have much in common with the aforementioned titles other than the group name and a (presumably) Conley flute solo. The single made it to number 84 R&B in summer 1983 and the U.K. pop charts. Singer Bernard Jackson who grew up in Stamford, CT, got into the music business through his cousin who lived in New York. Seizing the opportunity, he relocated to New York and began performing around the city. While doing a show in Stamford, his godfather suggested that he contact his nephew David Townsend who was also in the music business. Townsend, a former touring guitarist for the Isley Brothers, was the son of singer/songwriter/producer Ed Townsend who had a hit with "For Your Love" in summer 1958 and wrote the Impressions' "Finally Got Myself Together (I'm a Changed Man)" and co-wrote Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On." Around 1973, Townsend joined a band called the Port Authority where he met David "Pic" Conley. Townsend, whose father shared hit songwriting tips with him, began writing songs with Conley. After Townsend and Conley met Jackson it was decided that they'd write songs together. The trio became staff writers for EMI Music. Their songs were covered by New Edition ("Let's Be Friends" from their 1985 MCA LP All for Love) and Sister Sledge ("You're So Fine"). The trio became performers using the name Surface and moved to Los Angeles. An EMI Music executive brought one of their songs, "Let's Try Again," to the attention of Larkin Arnold of Columbia Records. Arnold's previous successes include Natalie Cole and Peabo Bryson. He signed the group to Columbia and their first single "Let's Try Again" charted number 80 R&B in late 1986. The debut album Surface included the smooth and sweet "Happy," which hit number two R&B for two weeks in early 1987, "Lately" (number eight R&B), and the reissued "Let's Try Again." The next LP, 2nd Wave yielded "I Missed" (number three R&B), "Closer Than Friends" (number one R&B for two weeks in early 1989), the wedding standard "Shower Me With Your Love" (gold, number one R&B/number five pop), "You Are My Everything" (number one R&B for two weeks), and "Can We Spend Some Time" (number five R&B). Jackson brought the sheet music to a song he had written in 1986 to his friend, songwriter Brian Simpson, who had a recording studio in his garage. After listening to the finished demo tape, Jackson thought that he had a hit. Hiring a mobile 24-track recording studio truck to capture his vocal in the best professional conditions, Jackson sang "The First Time" in Simpson's house. "The First Time" was the first single from Surface's 3 Deep album and went gold hitting number one R&B and holding the number one pop for two weeks in early 1991. While "The First Time" was topping the charts, Surface was one of the presenters at the American Music Awards and were enthusiastically congratulated. The hits continued with "All I Want Is You" (number eight R&B, early 1991) and "Never Gonna Let You Down." "You're the One" billed as Surface featuring Bernard Jackson made it to number 24 R&B, summer 1991. The group's last charting single was "A Nice Time for Lovin'" included on their 1991 greatest hits LP The Best Surface: A Nice Time for Loving. Conley and Townsend also produced sides on Rebbie Jackson ("Reaction") that are on The Rebbie Jackson Collection from U.K. label Expansion distributed by Sony/3MV.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Surface
• Regina
• Belle
• DavidPicConley
• DavidTownsend
• BernardJackson
• 80's
• R&B
• Soul
• Happy
• ArchieGe

[75ely]

all i have to say is you the man, archieGe. thanks for taking me back.

[ArchieGe]

@75ely  my pleasure :o)

[thaonlylakergirl]

classic. period.

[MicDeluxx]

The Don't Make Em Like This Anymore

[NYMDgirl2u]

Sigh..Thinking about the good times on this song.. Wow.. (smile)

[7777divalicious]

@MicDeluxx  u are so right

[BlkDiesel]

Always loved these cats...Surface, so smooth and Regina Belle so talented and classy....

[kaponepride]

I remember when I met my future Baby Mama I use to jam this song...

[68seabrooks]

this is grown folks music.if u were ever in love and that person loved u back ...u would be feeling this joint.sing it regina.please come back.

[preciousgurl75]

this song takes me back.

[blueflamevixen74]

Takes me back to high school as well......reminds me of my first love!!!

[brut2810]

high school

[pumkin1785]

All I Want Is You! It cant be put any simpler......OLD SCHOOL love song..back in the day when artist expressed love and not hitting it and quitting it! There is nothing like being loved and being in love.....greatest gift a person can share!!!!!!

@mbaker21969 Thank you for your gift.!

@ArchieGe Thank you for keeping the memories alive of what love songs are all about. This post is a gem!

[MsL0vie]

I have them performing this on "apollo". I rewind it several times. this & "happy" r beautiful songs!