Introduction
Consisting of Jimmy Brown, Regi Hargis Hickman, Ray Ransom and Eddie Irons, Brick is an American funk/R&B, disco group known for their hit “Dazz” during the mid-70s music era. Formed in Atlanta, Georgia in 1972, the group created the term “dazz” for the members were came from two different bands with different style of music – “disco” and “jazz.” Brick’s second big hit “Dusic” was issued in late 1977, followed by a moderate hits such as “Ain’t Gonna Hurt Nobody,” (1977) “Sweat (Til You Get Wet)” (1981), and “All the Way (1980)” which was the group’s last pop chart entry.
The early career of Brick
American funk/R&B/disco band Brick is known mainly for their songs “Dusic” and “Dazz” which became really big hits during in the mid-70’s. This Atlanta-based group was formed in 1972, consisting of Jimmy Brown (vocals, bass, guitar), Regi Hargis Hickman (lead vocals, guitar, bass) Ray Ransom (bass, keyboards, percussion) and Eddie Irons (keyboards, drums, percussion). Brick came from two different bands who play different genres that they invented their own term “dazz” – joining “disco” and “jazz” together.
Brick’s “Dazz” and other R&B hit singles
Brick was initially signed to Main Street Records in 1976 where they cut “Music Matic” as their debut single. Later that year, the group switched to the independent label Bang Records. broke through with their first release the label called “Dazz.” It became a big chart success, peaking at at #3 on the Hot 100, #7 on the dance music chart, and #1 on the R&B chart. Another single, “Dusic,” was released and 1977; it peaked at #18 pop and #2 R&B.
The group’s commercial momentum started to slow down from the late 1970’s to early 1980’s, having their last Billboard appearance with the song “All the Way” (#106) in 1980. The following year, Brick collaborated with R&B singer Ray Parker Jr. for the song “Sweat (Til You Get Wet)” that would also become their last R&B hit.
During their heyday, the group performed with the big names in the music industry such as Lionel Richie, Marvin Gaye, Frankie Beverly & Maze, The Bar-Kays, Cameo, The Gap Band, Isley Brothers, The O’Jays, Al Green and Quincy Jones, among others.
Recent years
With the newer members, Brick is actively performing up to this day, inside and outside of the U.S, performing mostly for the nostalgia/oldies music circuit.
Discography (may be partial):
Albums:
- Good High (1976)
- Brick (1977)
- Stoneheart (1979)
- Waiting on You (1980)
- Summer Heat (1981)
- After 5 (1981)
- Too Tuff (1988)
Singles and EPs (1975-1988)
- “Music Matic”/”Good High” (7” single)
- “Dazz”
- “That’s What It’s All About”/”Can’t Wait (Tick Tock)”
- “Dusic”/”Dazz” (7” single)
- “Music Matic”/”Can’t Wait” (7” single)
- “Dusic”
- “Ain’t Gonna hurt Nobody”/”Honey Chile”
- “Brick” (12” sampler)
- “Dancin’ Man”/”We’ll Love”
- “Raise Your Hands”
- “Push Push”
- “All the Way”
- “Sweat (Til You Get Wet)”
- “Wide Open”
- “Free Dancer”
- “Wild & Crazy” (7” promo)
- “Old Prisoner” (7”)
- “Lick a Bomb” (7”)
- “Kum Danz”