Disco Ladies

A performer since childhood, R&B artist  Alicia Myers  won a talent contest in her native Detroit at the age of 10, when she and her brother  Jackie  dueted on a cover of  Ashford & Simpson 's "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing," a Motown classic popularized by  Marvin Gaye  and  Tammi Terrell . The Myers siblings performed in bands together, but  Jackie  eventually joined  Chairmen of the Board , while  Alicia  became an integral member, a songwriter, and occasional front person, in  Al Hudson & the Partners . She made an instant impact in the group as the co-writer and co-lead vocalist of the 1979 single "You Can Do It." After a group name change to  One Way , she continued to contribute until 1981, when she made her solo debut with MCA -- the same label to which  One Way  was signed. From 1981 through 1984, she released four albums of sophisticated, funk-laced R&B:  Alicia ,...

The striking vocal play between the sweet soulful sound of Al Hudson against the full throated gospel glory of Alicia Myers turns this song into terrific disco. Funky as hell, the music track is simple but anthemic, "You Can Do It" is just what you need to hear right now. Disco is all about celebrating community and being on the up, two things that seem to be in short supply these days. I first heard this song in the summer of 1979 and the original surprising intro made my disco buddy, Mona put her beer down, so I did too and we marveled at the newest sound while dancing to this new funky disco with a slow burnin groove that could not be stopped. A run to the DJ booth and I got the name of the band ONE WAY and the following Friday I had a copy of the LP. Reading the liner notes I found a wealth of information about the band and that it was written by Alicia Meyers and Kevin McCord. Being an ex-Detroit boy, I am impressed with the amount of talent that city has provided to mus...