Unlimited Touch

Biography

Unlimited Touch was a pioneering American post-disco and funk group formed in New York City in the early 1980s, with roots in both Mt. Vernon and Brooklyn. The group was instigated by Raymond Reid and William Anderson of Crown Heights Affair, though they did not perform as members. The original lineup included Audrey Wheeler (vocals), Stephanie James (vocals), Lenny Underwood (keyboards), Sandy Anderson (bass), Phil Hamilton (guitar), and Tony Cintron (drums). Signed to Prelude Records, Unlimited Touch quickly made a mark on the club scene with their energetic blend of R&B, disco, and funk, producing music that was embraced by DJs and dancefloors, especially in legendary venues like Paradise Garage.

Their debut single, 'I Hear Music in the Streets' (1980), became a club favorite and was followed by the UK chart hit 'Searching to Find the One' (1981). Their self-titled debut album packaged these singles and showcased their signature sound: full-length dance tracks with strong vocal hooks and sophisticated musicianship. Despite only moderate commercial success on the charts, their influence was significant in the evolution of post-disco and early house music. Internal disputes and label issues led to their dissolution by the end of 1981, though they briefly reunited for the 1983 album 'Yes, We're Ready.'

Unlimited Touch's legacy endures through their impact on dance and electronic music. Their tracks have been widely sampled, most notably by Sean 'Puffy' Combs for Faith Evans' 'All Night Long.' The group's music continues to inspire DJs, producers, and artists in the house and dance genres, cementing their status as influential figures in the post-disco era.

Fun Facts

• Unlimited Touch's music was especially popular with legendary DJ Larry Levan and became a staple at the Paradise Garage club.
• Despite their brief initial run, their single 'Searching to Find the One' reached number 29 on the UK charts.
• Prelude Records, their label, owned the rights to the group name, which complicated later releases and reunions.
• Their music has been widely sampled, most famously by Sean 'Puffy' Combs for Faith Evans' 'All Night Long' in 1999.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Raymond Reid and William Anderson - Founders and producers; instigated the formation of Unlimited Touch and guided their early sound (Oversaw debut singles and album) [1980-1981]

Key Collaborators

• Audrey Wheeler - Lead and backing vocals; core band member (Unlimited Touch (1981), Yes, We're Ready (1983)) [1980-1983]
• Lenny Underwood - Keyboards, songwriter; co-wrote major singles (I Hear Music in the Streets, Searching to Find the One) [1980-1983]
• Stephanie James - Lead and backing vocals; core band member (Unlimited Touch (1981), Yes, We're Ready (1983)) [1980-1983]
• Sandy Anderson - Bass, backing vocals; core band member (Unlimited Touch (1981), Yes, We're Ready (1983)) [1980-1983]
• Phil Hamilton - Guitar; core band member (Unlimited Touch (1981), Yes, We're Ready (1983)) [1980-1983]
• Tony Cintron - Drums; core band member (Unlimited Touch (1981), Yes, We're Ready (1983)) [1980-1983]

Artists Influenced

• Faith Evans - Sampled 'I Hear Music in the Streets' for her hit 'All Night Long', produced by Sean 'Puffy' Combs (All Night Long (1999)) [1999]
• House and dance music producers - Unlimited Touch's post-disco sound and club-oriented tracks inspired early house music and subsequent dance genres (Various remixes and samples) [1980s-present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. I Hear Music in the Streets - François Kevorkian Mix (Searching to Find the One)
2. In the Middle (Searching to Find the One)
3. Happy Ever After (Unlimited Touch)
4. Searching to Find the One (Searching to Find the One)
5. Good Loving (Searching to Find the One)
6. Searching to Find the One - Remix (Searching to Find the One)
7. Music Is My Life (feat. Unlimited Touch) (Expansions In The NYC)
8. Music Is My Life - Dave Lee Remix (Music Is My Life (Remixes))
9. Your Love Is Serious (Searching to Find the One)
10. Carry On (Unlimited Touch)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia