Gerald Alston facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gerald Alston
Gerald Alston in Atlantic City June 22, 2019 Photo by Julius "Juice" Freeman
Background information
Born	(1951-11-08) November 8, 1951 (age 73)
Origin	Henderson, North Carolina, U.S.
Genres	R&B soul
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	1970–present
Labels	Motown Records, RCA
Associated acts	The Manhattans, The Manhattans Featuring Gerald Alston & Blue Lovett, The Manhattans Featuring Gerald Alston

Gerald Alston (born November 8, 1951) is a famous American soul and R&B singer. He is best known as the lead singer of the popular group The Manhattans. With The Manhattans, he helped create many hit songs. Their most famous song, "Kiss and Say Goodbye" from 1976, was a huge success. It reached number one on music charts in several countries. Gerald Alston also had a successful solo career, releasing his own albums and hit songs like "Take Me Where You Want To".

Gerald Alston's Music Career

Early Life and Music Beginnings

Gerald Alston was born on November 8, 1951. His hometown is Henderson, North Carolina. His parents were Rev. J.B. Alston and Geraldine Harrelson. Gerald grew up in the church, where he learned to sing. His uncle, Johnny Fields, was also a famous Gospel singer. When Gerald was a teenager, he started a group called the New Imperials. They sang both church music and other types of songs. When they performed in churches, they called themselves the Gospel Jubilee.

Joining The Manhattans

Gerald Alston (second from left) as part of The Manhattans in 1972.

In 1970, Gerald Alston joined The Manhattans. He became their new lead singer. The group already had members like Edward "Sonny" Bivins Jr. and Winfred "Blue" Lovett. With Gerald as lead singer, The Manhattans became very successful. They had many songs that sold millions of copies.

Some of their biggest hits include "Kiss and Say Goodbye" and "There's No Me Without You". They also won a Grammy Award for their song "Shining Star". The group continued to have hit songs throughout the 1980s. In 1986, Gerald sang a duet with Regina Belle. The song was called "Where Did We Go Wrong?". Gerald Alston left The Manhattans in 1988 to start his own music career.

Gerald Alston's Solo Career

After leaving The Manhattans, Gerald Alston released his first solo album in 1988. It was simply called "Gerald Alston". This album was very popular and stayed on the music charts for many weeks. His first song from the album, "Take Me Where You Want To", became a top 10 hit. He also released other singles like "I Can't Tell You Why".

Gerald appeared on the TV show Soul Train to perform his hit songs. In 1990, he released another successful album called "Open Invitation". This album featured his highest-charting solo song, "Slow Motion". Another popular song from this album was "Getting Back into Love". Between 1992 and 1995, Gerald released more albums and singles.

Returning to The Manhattans

In the mid-1990s, Gerald Alston teamed up with original Manhattans member Blue Lovett. They formed a new group called The Manhattans Featuring Gerald Alston and Blue Lovett. New singers David Tyson and Troy Mays joined them.

In 2014, Gerald and Blue were featured on the TV show Unsung. This episode told the story of The Manhattans. Gerald continued to perform with the group until Blue Lovett passed away in 2014. After that, Gerald's cousin, Dwight Fields, joined the group.

By 2015, Gerald Alston was the only original member left from The Manhattans' most famous lineup. He now tours as The Manhattans featuring Gerald Alston. He continues to perform in the United States and other countries.

Gerald Alston's Personal Life

Gerald Alston lives in New Jersey with his wife, Edna, and their son. He is related to another famous singer, Shirley Alston Reeves. She was the lead singer of the group The Shirelles. Gerald is also a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.

Discography

Solo Albums

Solo Singles