Bloodstone

Bloodstone was an American soul-psych group from Kansas City, Mo., that released eight albums on Decca/London between 1972 and 1976, followed by a ninth on Motown and two more on the Isley‘s T-Neck label.

Members: Harry Williams, Jr. (vocals, keyboards), Charles Love (vocals, guitar, 1962–2014), Willis Draffen (vocals, guitar, 1962-2002), Charles E. McCormick (vocals, bass, 1962-81, 1984–present), Roger Durham (percussion, 1962-73), Melvin Webb (drums, 1962-71), Eddie Summers (drums, vocals, keyboards, 1971-75), Steve Ferrone (drums, 1975), Ron Bell (drums, 1982-85), Ronald Wilson (vocals, bass, 1982-85)

Bloodstone originated as The Sinceres, a doo-wop group formed in 1962 Kansas City by singer Willis Draffen. By 1968, they’d toured with local big band The Smokin’ Emeralds and issued two singles: “Girl, I Love You” (b/w “Don’t Waste My Time”) and “Oh Angel” (b/w “Baby I Apologize”), respectively issued on Pzazz and Zina.

After drawing local crowds with their Motown-style review, they gradually took up instruments. By 1971, the band featured guitarist/singer Charles Love, drummer Eddie Summers, bassist Charles McCormick, percussionists Roger Durham and Harry Williams, and now-guitarist Draffen. The Sinceres relocated to Los Angeles, where they found management and changed their name to Bloodstone. During a trip to London, they signed with Decca Records.

Discography:

• Bloodstone (1972)
• Unreal (1973)
• Natural High (1973)
• I Need Time (1974)
• Riddle of the Sphinx (1975)
• Train Ride to Hollywood (1975)
• Do You Wanna Do a Thing (1976)
• Lullaby of Broadway (1976)
• Don’t Stop! (1978)
• We Go a Long Way Back (1982)
• Party (1984)

Sources:

• Discogs: Bloodstone