I will never forget the moment of hearing tunes by The Whispers, Shalamar, Lakeside, Midnight Star, Klymaxx, The Deele and other great acts of soulful dance music as a child, but in recent years I have come into knowledge of the man responsible for this great output, Richard “Dick” Griffey of SOLAR Records. Dick Griffey worked independently to discover a group of musicians who by large shaped the scene of 80's with a steady output of dance floor classics such as “Fantastic Voyage,” “And the Beat Goes On,” “Rock Steady” and “Tender Lover" led by the sounds of Leon Sylvers III and the early production talent of Antonio "L.A." Reid and Babyface, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis.

I consider the era of Solar Records a treasured musical experience like none other, with timeless songs that touch upon love and happiness from dedicated musicians who provided messages to lift the spirit, encouraging appreciation of the best things in life. In addition to Solar's classic discography, Dick Griffey stands as an example of an African-American record executive and entrepreneur who cultivated the careers of his own people, a very inspirational part of his legacy within music.



Enjoy this mix dedicated to the legacy of Dick Griffey's Solar Records from one of the greatest resources of classic 80's R&B/Funk/Disco music, ejflavors.com


Download - Sound Of Los Angeles Records, Volume I

01 – I’ve Just Begun To Love You – Dynasty
02 – Your Love Is On The One – Lakeside
03 – It’s a Love Thing – The Whispers
04 – Wet My Whistle – Midnight Star
05 – The Second Time Around – Shalamar
06 – I’ve Been Watching You – Midnight Star
07 – Show Me Where You’re Coming From – Carrie Lucas
08 – A Night To Remember – Shalamar
09 – Two Occasions – The Deele
10 – Be For Real – Cat Miller
11 – I’d Still Say Yes – Klymaxx
12 – This Is for the Lover in You – Shalamar
13 – Sometimes A Love Goes Wrong – Carrie Lucas
14 – Are You Going My Way – The Whispers
15 – I Want to Hold Your Hand – Lakeside


Download - Sound Of Los Angeles Records, Volume II

01 – Right In The Socket – Shalamar
02 – It’s a Love Thing – The Whispers
03 – Here I Am – Dynasty
04 – It’s All the Way Live – Lakeside
05 – Midas Touch – Midnight Star
06 – Wild Girls – Klymaxx
07 – Pop Along Kid – Shalamar
08 – Is This A Dream – Carrie Lucas
09 – Adventures In The Land Of Music – Dynasty
10 – Slow Jam – Midnight Star
11 – Help Me – Shalamar
12 – Just My Luck – The Deele
13 – Winners & Losers – Collage
14 – Hello Stranger – Carrie Lucas
15 – Real Love – Lakeside