1 Raphael (Ray) Munnings & Charles Carter (Chapter 1)

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• published: 21 Jun 2012
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FUNKY NASSAU debuted on the Billboard 100 chart #94, Peaked #15, and stayed on for 14 Weeks The Beginning of the End released an album entitled Funky Nassau in 1971 on Alston Records (a subsidiary of Atlantic Records), and the track "Funky Nassau - Part I" became a hit single in the U.S., peaking at #15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and #7 on the Billboard Black Singles chart. The same track reached #31 in the UK Singles Chart in March 1974. Bahamian singer and keyboard player, Ray Munnings, recorded two LPs with The Beginning Of The End (a group which included two other Munnings brothers) in the 1970s. They will always be best remembered for their 1971 hit, 'Funky Nassau', which brought them international recognition. Munnings would remake 'Funky Nassau' in 1979, at which time he also recorded some new material under the auspices of Dwight Brewster, Stan Lucas and Kenny Lehman. Of the sides he cut that year, the first to hit the streets was the classy, mid-tempo disco-soul of 'It Could Happen To You'. The singles were on limited release on both sides of the Atlantic and have consequently been collectors' items since the '80s The year was 1969, and Nassau was in for the wave of this energetic young band called Beginning Of The End. The band, according to lead singer Raphael, was quite a unique group inasmuch as it was heavily influenced by the pop culture that was very vibrant in the United States. The flower power movement and the hippie generation gravitated towards artists like Marvin Gaye, Impressions, Jerry Butler, and Jimmy Hendrix. Hard rock, rhythm 'n' blues, funk, jazz, and of course the Latin music that was heard over the airwaves from Cuba went into one big melting pot that helped in creating Nassau's newest sound. The members made a decision to quit their jobs and rehearse for six months in order to make this band a success. With the influence of Freddie Munnings Sr. who ran an extremely successful nightclub, " The Cat and Fiddle", the Munnings brothers along with Fred Henfield had ample opportunity to perform with and hear the many foreign acts that appeared at the club. Among them were Nat King Cole, Count Basie, Flip Wilson and just about any major star of the 50's and 60's entertainment era. These young musicians took full advantage and learnt the many styles that graced the stage of "The Cat and Fiddle". The members of the band were Fred Henfield on bass guitar, Leroy Munnings - lead guitar, Frank Munnings - drums, and the youngest member Raphael Munnings - vocals and keyboards. Together they came up with the music of "Funky Nassau" which sold over a million copies worldwide. Assisting with the lyrics was Tyrone Fitzgerald, "Dr. Offfff", who died in 2003. Tyrone was to become a leading innovative junkanoo icon in the Bahamas. After months of experimenting with various fusions, the band was ready to present their brand of Bahamian music. In addition to the rhythm section, the band used a few horn players that contributed to the sound of the group. Those musicians were: Neville Sampson, Vernon Mueller, Kenneth Lane and two other relatives, Ralph Munnings and Freddie Munnings The Beginning of the End was a group from The Bahamas that consisted of three brothers, Raphael, Leroy & Frank Munnings and a fourth member on bass Fred Henfield. Their only hit "Funky Nassau" on Billboard's Hot 100 was a lyrical ode to their home city. From its Junkanoo beat to its island brass parts mixed with American funk, its description of "mini-skirts, maxi-skirts and Afro hairdos,"the song extolled the virtues of the group's Bahamian base. A surprise hit, it reached the top 15 on both the pop and R&B; charts. It was a success for Henry Stone during his days at Atlantic Records, and the money he earned helped him start up TK Records in Miami which introduced KC & The Sunshine Band shortly thereafter. Funky Nassau 40th. Anniversary Celebrated in Nassau Bahamas October 2011 at a concert for the victims of hurricane Irene hosted by GEMS FM. Raphael Munnings Lead Singer of the musical group" Beginning of the End" introduces Raphael Munnings II first time on stage together a Historic Event. Much thanks to group Visage for their help and support. As it was in the Beginning - Raphael ∞ Raphael Munnings. Contact: raphaelmunnings@gmail.com