Young & Company -

Young & Company were an American soul-funk band from New Jersey that released the 1980 album I Like (What You’re Doing to Me) on Brunswick Records, followed by a string of singles on assorted labels during the ensuing five-year period, including one under the name Joy. The band comprised the singing/production team of brothers William, Michael, and Kenneth Young in the company of vocalist Jacqueline Thomas and the rhythm section of bassist Buddy Hankerson and drummer Dave Reyes.

Members: William Young (lead vocals, arranger, producer), Michael Young (lead vocals, arranger, producer), Kenneth Young (backing vocals), Jacqueline Thomas (lead vocals), Buddy Hankerson (bass, percussion, multi-instrumentalist), Dave Reyes (drums, percussion)

Background

Young & Company originated in East Orange, New Jersey, in 1970, when West Virginia-born brothers Billy, Mike, and Kenneth Young formed the Young Movement with bassist–keyboardist–guitarist Buddy “Hank” Hankerson and drummer Dave Reyes. Sister Starleana Young sang with Slave by 1978 and joined the founding lineup of Aurra. Steve Washington also included Billy, Mike, and Hankerson within the early Aurra organization, part of the New Jersey personnel network around Slave.

The group adopted the name Flashflood in 1974 and continued with the Young brothers, Hankerson, and Reyes. Vocalist Jackie Thomas joined in 1979, when the six members adopted the Young & Company name for their first recordings. Young & Company cut three demos with “I Like What You’re Doing to Me” among the songs. The recording helped secure a Brunswick Records contract through A&R executive Ray Daniels, who discovered the group and became executive producer for the debut album I Like (What You’re Doing to Me).

Discography: