• 1972-1975

  Tim McQueen

  John Brown

  Claude Johnson

  Eddie Schell
• Originally formed in 1971 under the name Triboro Exchange (referencing the three boroughs of New York City - Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan), the group New York City consisted of Tim McQueen (lead singer), John Brown, Claude Johnson and Eddie Schell, all seasoned vocalists with experience in doo-wop ensembles. When they were still known as Triboro Exchange they released a single, "Seven Lonely Nights" backed by "Lil Ole Me."
• Prior to becoming a singer, Johnson had been a jukebox revenue collector.
• Soon after their initial release, they rebranded themselves as New York City. Under the direction of record producer Thom Bell, known for his work in the Philly soul genre, they released two albums and several hit singles.
• Their most successful song was "I'm Doin' Fine Now," released in 1973, which reached #17 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Two other tunes made the Hot 100: "Make Me Twice the Man"(#93) and "Quick, Fast, in a Hurry" (#79).
• Their backing band, the Big Apple Band, included future Chic members Nile Rogers and Bernard Edwards.
• New York City disbanded in 1975 after releasing only two albums. While short-lived, they left their mark on the R&B scene of the early 1970s. Their smooth vocals and Philly soul influences continue to be enjoyed by fans of the genre.

Comments

More Songfacts:

She BangsRicky Martin

The Ricky Martin song "She Bangs" found new life when William Hung performed it so horribly on a 2004 episode of American Idol that it went viral.

Beautiful LoserBob Seger

Bob Seger's song "Beautiful Loser" was inspired by book Leonard Cohen published in 1966 called Beautiful Losers.

Rock of AgesDef Leppard

The "Gunter Glieben Glauten Globen" intro in Def Leppard's "Rock Of Ages" is something their producer Mutt Lange came up with when he got tired of counting them "1, 2, 3, 4..."

RocketDef Leppard

The line "satellite of love" in the Def Leppard song "Rocket" came from the title of a 1972 Lou Reed song.

Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)Sly & the Family Stone

Sly & the Family Stone's "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)" was a huge hit in 1970 and found new life when Janet Jackson sampled the bass riff on her 1989 hit "Rhythm Nation."

Dancing QueenABBA

ABBA's Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson conceived "Dancing Queen" as a dance song with the working title "Boogaloo," drawing inspiration from the 1974 George McCrae disco hit "Rock Your Baby." Their manager Stig Anderson came up with the title "Dancing Queen."

Editor's Picks

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Danny KortchmarSongwriter Interviews

Danny played guitar on Sweet Baby James, Tapestry, and Running On Empty. He also co-wrote many hit songs, including "Dirty Laundry," "Sunset Grill" and "Tender Is The Night."

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"They're Playing My Song

Chris and his wife Tina were the rhythm section for Talking Heads when they formed The Tom Tom Club. "Genius of Love" was their blockbuster, but David Byrne only mentioned it once.

Dean PitchfordSongwriter Interviews

Dean wrote the screenplay and lyrics to all the songs in Footloose. His other hits include "Fame" and "All The Man That I Need."

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many SongsSong Writing

For songwriters, Johnny represents the American man. He has been angry, cool, magic, a rebel and, of course, marching home.

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.