THE MANHATTANS - MOTOWN

As any R&B enthusiast will attest, the name Gerald Alston has always been synonymous with soul, elegance and sophistication. The one voice you never get tired of. Alston inherited some big shoes and has filled them admirably for over 17 years. Born in Henderson, North Carolina, Gerald Alston, the son of Rev. J.B. Alston and the nephew of gospel great Johnny Fields of the Five Blind Boys of Alabama, learned his trade in church.

As a teen he formed Gerald Alston & the New Imperials, a group that performing both secular and religious music, called themselves The Gospel Jubilee when they appeared in churches. During a local appearance, Alston met the Manhattans when they borrowed equipment from Alston’s band. When The Manhattans heard Gerald rehearsing, they loved what they heard and asked the 17 year old to join the group.

Alston took over as their lead singer in 1970. The…