Enchantment

Biography

Enchantment is a classic soul and R&B vocal group formed in Detroit, Michigan, in the late 1960s. The original members—Emanuel 'EJ' Johnson, Joe 'Jobie' Thomas, David Banks, Ed 'Mickey' Clanton, and Bobby Green—came together at Pershing High School, inspired by the vibrant Motown scene that surrounded them. Their first major break came in 1969 when they won a local talent contest sponsored by radio station WCHB, earning their initial recording contract and quickly establishing themselves as a promising act in Detroit's competitive music landscape.[1][2][5]

Throughout the 1970s, Enchantment honed their stagecraft and vocal harmonies, working with talent development agencies and performing at local venues. Their partnership with producer Michael Stokes proved pivotal, leading to their debut album 'Enchantment' in 1976 on Roadshow Records. The group’s smooth, melodious style—characterized by EJ Johnson’s emotive falsetto and lush arrangements—yielded hits like 'Gloria' and 'Sunshine,' which became staples of the quiet storm and classic soul genres. Despite commercial challenges and label changes in the early 1980s, Enchantment continued to record and perform, leaving a lasting legacy as one of Detroit’s most beloved soul groups.[3][5]

Enchantment’s music is noted for its heartfelt ballads and sophisticated harmonies, drawing on influences from Motown legends and contributing to the evolution of R&B in the late 20th century. Their work remains influential, with EJ Johnson later finding success in gospel music and the group continuing to perform at soul music festivals and multi-artist shows, maintaining their reputation as consummate entertainers.[3][6]

Fun Facts

• Enchantment won their first recording contract and $500 by taking first place in a Detroit radio talent contest in 1969.[1][5]
• Their hit single 'Gloria' was written and arranged by lead singer EJ Johnson and became one of the most popular R&B songs of 1976 and 1977.[3][5]
• Enchantment recorded a movie score for 'Deliver Us From Evil' in 1974, which was released on Polydor Records in 1975.[5]
• EJ Johnson later became a well-known gospel writer and producer, releasing a solo album in 1999.[3]

Members

• Dave Banks
• Mickey Clanton
• Carl Cotton
• Bobby Green
• Emanuel "EJ" Johnson
• Walter Jones
• Lacey Robinson
• Joe “Jobie” Thomas

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Dick Scott - Motown executive and manager; helped develop their stage presence and performance skills through Artists International talent agency. (Talent development and management, early career guidance) [1970s]
• Eddie Kendricks - Stylistic influence on EJ Johnson’s falsetto and vocal style. (Inspirational influence on vocal technique and musical direction) [1960s-1970s]

Key Collaborators

• Michael Stokes - Producer of their debut and subsequent albums; key figure in shaping their sound. (Enchantment (1976), Once Upon a Dream (1977), Utopia (1983)) [1976-1983]
• Band Members: Emanuel 'EJ' Johnson, Joe 'Jobie' Thomas, David Banks, Ed 'Mickey' Clanton, Bobby Green - Core vocal group; collaborated on all major recordings and performances. (All Enchantment albums and singles) [1967-present]

Artists Influenced

• Contemporary Quiet Storm and R&B Artists - Their lush harmonies and emotive ballads helped define the quiet storm genre, inspiring later R&B acts. (Influence evident in 1980s-1990s quiet storm and soul music) [1980s-present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. It's You That I Need (If You're Ready...The Best Of Enchantment)
2. Sunshine (If You're Ready...The Best Of Enchantment)
3. Gloria (If You're Ready...The Best Of Enchantment)
4. Silly Love Song (If You're Ready...The Best Of Enchantment)
5. Where Do We Go From Here/Journey (If You're Ready...The Best Of Enchantment)
6. Forever More (It's You That I Need Live and Other Favorites)
7. My Rose (If You're Ready...The Best Of Enchantment)
8. Don't Fight the Feeling (Utopia (Expanded Edition))
9. It's You That I Need (Once Upon a Dream)
10. Silly Love Song (Once Upon a Dream)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz