Are you or your band missing? Have any current information or photos of performers? Email us and let us know!

Many of Durham's soul, funk, and R&B musicians from the 1960s, '70s and '80s are still making music today.

where are they now?

  • DURHAM MUSICIANS REUNITED

    Durham Musicians Reunited, Inc. is a charitable organization founded by James K. "Tweet" Toomer in 2007. Toomer—who played with Johnny White and many other local bands in the 1960s and 1970s—passed away in December 2012. His fiancé Vicki Umstead is the group’s current president. Other Durham musicians involved in the leadership include Jerond Belton, Vernelle Mack, Johnny White, Marion Wiggins, Al Kee, Sr., and Jesse Suggs.

  • RISSE

    Victor Stone continues to lead the Risse Band along with Jaisun McMillian, who worked on the Bull City Soul Revival project.

  • COMMUNICATORS & BLACK EXPERIENCES BAND

    Willie Hill of the Communicators & Black Experiences Band has produced records of his own and other artists through his recording company Inspire Productions.

  • ESSENCE OF TRUTH & POSITIVE APPROACH

    Vernelle Mack of the Essence of Truth and the Positive Approach plans to release a solo gospel CD this year.

  • LEON PENDARVIS ORCHESTRA

    Leon Pendarvis of the Leon Pendarvis Orchestra has been a musical director of the Saturday Night Live Band.

  • DURACHA & BLUE STEAM

    Stanley Saunders of Duracha leads the Family Sircle vocal group. Pierce McKoy and Jerome Saunders of Blue Steam have been recent members.

  • N.C.C.U.

    Several former members of N.C.C.U. remain active on the local music scene: Stanley Baird makes solo recordings and leads the Stanley Baird Group. Marion Wiggins runs Playground Studios in Durham. In addition to performing locally, Aaron Mills has played with Cameo and Outkast.

    Aaron Mills

    Stanley Baird

    Marion Wiggins

  • CHARLES ALEXANDER

    Charles Alexander leads the Charles Alexander Revue and runs the Kats Recording Studio.

  • BRODIE'S GANG

    Several members of Brodie's Gang currently perform as The Brothership.

  • JOHNNY WHITE & THE ELITE BAND

    Johnny White continues to lead the Elite Band.