Pictures from the Steel Magnolia Event at The Republic in Los Angeles 7/21/2008. Event producer - Ryan Black (88's Cabaret), hosted by Leeza Gibbons. Featuring Az Yet, Jon B and Babyface.
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After a decade-long hiatus, four of the five original members of the multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated R&B recording group Az Yet have reunited. Marc Nelson, Dion Allen, Shawn Rivera and Kenny Terry are sparking renewed interest in the group's seamless harmony and timeless vocal stylings and are currently writing, producing and recording their long-awaited sophomore project - set for release in September 2008.
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"Az Yet is one of the most talented groups to ever come along. When they sing, it becomes magic. This group is destined for success. Not only can they sing, but they also write, produce and arrange. Az Yet is unique in that their mix of influences and flavor defies labelling. I am happy to be associated with them."
- Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds
Babyface is correct. The various influences of R&B, jazz, blues, hip hop, and gospel that flavor their music is why the group was originally known as "As Yet Untitled". Says Shawn Rivera, "We found it hard to label ourselves because we enjoy singing and performing so many different styles". Echoes Kenny Terry, "We originally used the name, Az Yet Untitled, to describe our style, which is ever-growing and all-encompassing".
Shawn Rivera and Dion Allen formed the group as a duo in 1989. In 1991, they met Kenneth Terry. They had found not only a talented singer, but one who would become an important element in the group's distinctive sound.
Over the next few years, they recruited other members who came and went until their self-produced demo ultimately reached the hands of LaFace Records founder, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds. Babyface allowed them to open for his concert with After 7 and El Debarge and was instrumental in their signing to LaFace Records in 1995.
The label relocated the group from their hometown of Philadelphia to Los Angeles to work closer with Babyface. In the midst of their negotiations with LaFace Records, the group recruited Darryl Anthony and prior to recording, Marc Nelson was added as lead vocalist.
The group saw platinum success with their eponymous debut release which included the 1 hit "Last Night" and the historical remake of the Chicago classic "Hard To Say I'm Sorry" with Peter Cetera earning the group a nomination at the 40th Annual Grammy Awards for "Best Performance by an R&B Duo or Group with Vocals".
