Chocolate Milk

Biography

Chocolate Milk was a pioneering American funk and soul band formed in 1974, originally in Memphis, Tennessee, before relocating to New Orleans, Louisiana. The group emerged during the heyday of funk and soul, inspired by contemporaries like Kool & the Gang and Earth, Wind & Fire. The core lineup included Frank Richard (lead vocals), Amadee Castenell (saxophone), Joe Foxx (trumpet), Mario Tio (guitar), Earnest Dabon (bass), Robert Dabon (keyboards/piano), and Dwight Richards (drums/percussion). Their name symbolized both the racial and cultural blend of New Orleans and the eclectic mix of genres—jazz, funk, soul, and disco—that defined their sound.

Chocolate Milk quickly became the studio band for legendary New Orleans songwriter and producer Allen Toussaint, succeeding The Meters in this role. They backed Toussaint in live performances and on recordings, most notably on his 'New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival' album (1976), and even collaborated with Paul McCartney. Signing with RCA Records, the band released eight albums between 1975 and 1983. Their debut, 'Action Speaks Louder Than Words,' featured the title track that became an R&B Top 20 hit, notable for its political message and influential break beat. Over time, Chocolate Milk evolved their style, incorporating disco elements, as heard in their 1981 hit 'Blue Jeans.'

Despite their initial success, the band faced challenges in the early 1980s, including shifts in musical tastes, frequent personnel and producer changes, and the decline of disco. After parting ways with Toussaint in 1980, Chocolate Milk disbanded in 1983. Their legacy, however, endures through their innovative fusion of genres, their role in the New Orleans music scene, and the lasting influence of their sampled grooves in hip-hop music.

Fun Facts

• Chocolate Milk was named to reflect both the racial diversity of its members and the cultural melting pot of New Orleans.
• The band's debut single, 'Action Speaks Louder Than Words,' features a break beat that has been widely sampled in hip-hop, notably by Eric B. & Rakim and Stetsasonic.
• They served as Allen Toussaint's studio band after The Meters, a legendary New Orleans funk group, moved on to their own label.
• Chocolate Milk recorded with Paul McCartney during their time as New Orleans studio musicians.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Allen Toussaint - Producer, mentor, and frequent collaborator; Chocolate Milk served as his studio and live band after The Meters. (New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (1976), various Toussaint productions) [1974–1980]

Key Collaborators

• Paul McCartney - Recorded together during Chocolate Milk's tenure as a studio band in New Orleans. (Studio sessions (uncredited/various)) [1970s]
• Band Members - Core creative and performing unit; collaborated on all albums and tours. (All Chocolate Milk albums (1975–1983)) [1974–1983]

Artists Influenced

• Eric B. & Rakim - Sampled 'Action Speaks Louder Than Words' break beat on 'Move the Crowd', contributing to hip-hop's golden age. (Paid in Full (1987))
• Stetsasonic - Sampled 'Action Speaks Louder Than Words' in 'Don't Let Your Mouth Write a Check Your Ass Can't Cash'. (Don't Let Your Mouth Write a Check Your Ass Can't Cash (1991))

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Doc (Milky Way)
2. Action Speaks Louder Than Words (Action Speaks Louder Than Words)
3. Time Machine (Action Speaks Louder Than Words)
4. Who's Getting It Now - 12" (Ice Cold Funk: The Greatest Grooves Of Chocolate Milk)
5. Groove City (Milky Way)
6. Girl Callin' (We're All In This Together)
7. My Mind Is Hazy - Long Version (Action Speaks Louder Than Words)
8. How About Love (Chocolate Milk (Expanded Edition))
9. Who's Getting It Now - 12" (Blue Jeans (Expanded Edition))
10. Take It Off (Ice Cold Funk: The Greatest Grooves Of Chocolate Milk)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #funk, #rhythm-and-blues, #soul