Midnight Star

Midnight Star was an American soul-funk band from Frankfort, Ky., that released eight albums on Unidisc-subsidiary Solar between 1980 and 1990.

Members: Reginald Calloway (trumpet, 1976-88), Vincent Calloway (trombone, 1976-88), Belinda Lipscomb (vocals), Melvin Gentry (guitar), Kenneth Gant (bass), Bobby Lovelace (drums), Bill Simmons (various instruments), Bo Watson (keyboards), Jeff Cooper (guitar, keyboards, 1976-?)

Midnight Star was formed in 1976 at Kentucky State University by trumpeter Reginald Calloway. The original lineup included singer Belinda Lipscomb, guitarist/drummer/vocalist Melvin Gentry, bassist Kenneth Gant, multi-instrumentalist Bill Simmons, keyboard player/vocalist Bo Watson, and guitarist/keyboardist Jeff Cooper, all KSU students. They later added a townie, trombonist Vincent Calloway (Reginald’s younger brother).

In 1978, Midnight Star played a showcase in New York City, attended by SOLAR Records founder Dick Griffey, who signed the young band.

Discography:

• The Beginning (1980)
• Standing Together (1981)
• Victory (1982)
• No Parking on the Dance Floor (1983)
• Planetary Invasion (1984)
• Headlines (1986)
• Midnight Star (1988)
• Work It Out (1990)

Sources:

• Discogs: Midnight Star