The Flaming Ember

The Flaming Ember was one of the few white soul bands to break into the R&B charts during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Based in Detroit, Michigan, the group blended Motown-inspired grooves with rock and pop influences. Their smooth delivery and catchy hooks led to several memorable hits, especially “Westbound #9” and “Mind, Body and Soul.”

Though their time at the top was brief, their music captured a unique moment in soul music history. With strong production support from the legendary Holland-Dozier-Holland trio and a passion for live performance, The Flaming Ember left behind a lasting musical legacy.

The Flaming Ember – Artist Profile
Origin	Detroit, Michigan, United States
Years Active	1964–mid 1970s, reunion in 2004
Genres	Blue-eyed soul, R&B, Pop Rock
Main Label	Hot Wax Records
Original Members	Jerry Plunk (vocals, drums) Joe Sladich (guitar – replaced by Mark McCoy in 1972) Bill Ellis (keyboards) Mike Jackson (bass – replaced by Jim Bugnel in 1966)
Later Members	Dennis Mills (bass) Lenny Gregg (drums – part-time)
Notable Hits	“Mind, Body and Soul” (#26 Hot 100) “Westbound #9” (#24 Hot 100, #15 R&B) “I’m Not My Brother’s Keeper” (#34 Hot 100, #12 R&B)
Awards	Inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame (1999)
Reunion	2004, Rockabilly Festival in Tennessee

Early Years in Detroit

Formed in 1964, the group originally went by The Flaming Embers—named after a local Detroit restaurant. They began performing in clubs across the city, playing a mix of soul, rock, and pop.

Their early recordings appeared on several small Detroit labels. By 1967, they landed a release with Ric-Tic Records, which had become a rising name in local soul music. However, when Motown founder Berry Gordy purchased Ric-Tic, the band chose to move on.

This turned out to be a key decision. In 1969, they signed with Hot Wax Records, a label launched by the legendary songwriting and production team Holland-Dozier-Holland, who had recently left Motown. The new label offered The Flaming Embers a chance to shine under the guidance of hitmakers.

Dropping the “S” and Climbing the Charts

 

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Upon joining Hot Wax, the band shortened their name to The Flaming Ember and released their debut single for the label, “Mind, Body and Soul.” The song made a strong impression, reaching #26 on the Billboard Hot 100 and introducing the band to a national audience.

Their next single, “Westbound #9,” became their biggest success. Released in 1970, it reached #24 on the Hot 100 and a strong #15 on the R&B chart. The track featured smooth production, emotive vocals from Jerry Plunk, and a radio-friendly soul-pop vibe.

This song became their signature track. It captured the upbeat, soul-driven energy of early 70s Detroit and cemented their place in blue-eyed soul history.

More Chart Action and Touring

The Flaming Ember followed up with “Shades of Green” and “I’m Not My Brother’s Keeper.” Though “Shades of Green” only charted modestly, “Brother’s Keeper” returned them to the Top 40, peaking at #34 on the Hot 100 and #12 on the R&B chart.

The band toured extensively and performed across the Midwest and other U.S. cities. While they lacked the widespread fame of some of their soul contemporaries, they built a loyal regional following.

Decline and Name Change

Despite their early success, later singles like “Stop the World and Let Me Off” and “Sunshine” failed to gain traction. Around this time, they changed their name to Mind, Body and Soul, hoping to ride the success of their debut hit. However, this change led to confusion, and their popularity faded.

They continued performing under the new name locally throughout the 1970s. Bassist Dennis Mills and drummer Lenny Gregg joined the lineup during this time. Still, the momentum from their earlier success had slowed, and the group gradually disbanded.

Legacy, Hall of Fame Induction, and Reunion

In 1999, The Flaming Ember received a nod to their contribution to rock and soul music when they were inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. This recognition highlighted their importance not only as a blue-eyed soul band but also as a key part of Detroit’s wider music scene.

In 2004, the original members reunited for a performance at the Rockabilly Festival in Jackson, Tennessee. A CD from the event was released, capturing the group’s enduring chemistry onstage. Sadly, part-time drummer Lenny Gregg passed away in 2010.

Why The Flaming Ember Still Matters

While their run on the charts was short, The Flaming Ember offered something unique—a blend of white soul, Detroit grit, and polished production. They were part of a brief but memorable moment when the lines between soul, pop, and rock blurred in exciting ways.

Thanks to the enduring popularity of “Westbound #9” and the support of fans and collectors of 70s soul, the band continues to earn appreciation from music historians and enthusiasts alike.

Discography Highlights

Here are some of The Flaming Ember’s key singles and chart performances: