The American Breed “Epiphany”
(Written by Chuck Colbert)
The reason we titled our CD “Epiphany” is because of the trials and tribulations we endured throughout the production, and the re-evaluation and manifestation of our final product.
The American Breed, the first Worldwide, top ten, integrated rock group’s underline mission in the 60’s, was to help change the world through music.
To show the world that we can all live, work, and play together. We even performed in segregated venues throughout the South where it never happened before. It was written in our contracts that African Americans had the right to attend the performances. My cousin, who lived in Magnolia, Arkansas, for the first time, was able to attend the show.
We were on a mission again. With all the hatred and turmoil going on in the world, we came together to produce a CD with positive songs of Peace, Love, Hope, Happiness, and Joy.
You would not believe the obstacles that got in our way.
First there was Jimmy Stella, an original member of “Rufus”, who helped us produce some of the songs. He passed away. Then there was Roberta Thomas who sang many of the songs.
Gary Loizzo, Lead singer on “Bend Me Shape Me” Died 6 years ago. We were in the middle of our mission and he will be missed dearly. We have been friends for over 57 years.
During this period, Al Ciner has been battling cancer. Lea Graziano has been doing the same. We finished the CD, and was getting ready for Danny Leak to master it, then Danny, one of the best in the business and friend for many years, passed away. Then the pandemic came and the music business around the world also died. I was determined that we were on a mission again to help heal the world with songs of peace and love and nothing was going to stop us and then “Bam”, I had to have a triple bypass.
I am in rehab and right on track for healing! I know that through Love, Faith, and Believing in a Higher Power, all things are possible, and through it all,
it only makes us Stronger and more determined to carry out our Mission and fulfill our Destiny with Epiphany.