By Howard Campbell/Observer writer—

Rose Royce

ROSE Royce, the classic rhythm and blues group known for hit songs such as Car Wash and I Wanna Get Next to You, are headliners for ‘To Mom With Love’, which returns after a two-year break to the Jamaica Pegasus in Kingston.

Marvin “Horseman” Pitterson said the multi-member group are well-suited for the May 8 Mother’s Day event he first held in 2001.

“They’ve got some great songs that people want to hear, and carry their mothers to show appreciation,” Pitterson told the Jamaica Observer.

Rose Royce in the 1970’s

Rose Royce, which observes its 50th anniversary this year, are originally from Los Angeles. They emerged during a period when progressive R&B by bands like Earth, Wind & Fire, The Isley Brothers, and George Clinton’s Funkadelics were hot in the United States.

Car Wash, theme song from the 1976 hit movie of the same name, was their breakthrough hit. This was followed by I Wanna Get Next to YouWishing on A Star, and Love Don’t Live Here Anymore, which have been featured in movies including Friday, Baby Boy, and covered by acts like Madonna.

Some of the group’s lesser-known tracks, like Golden Touch and Famous Last Words, remain popular in Jamaica.

Pitterson, who also promotes the popular ‘Stars R Us’ vintage show, has had Gladys Knight, Dionne Warwick, Air Supply, The Three Degrees and The Main Ingredient as headliners for To Mom With Love.

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