Expert: Bong Santos - 11/9/2007

Question
Wasn't there a band called "The Deal" back in the 80s?
What was their song?

Answer
Dear Kathy,

You must either be referring to the pop band THE DEAL or the more successful R&B group THE DEELE.

THE DEAL was fronted by MARK ROEBUCK who was also the chief songwriter. He was a former bartender who got DAVE MATTHEWS his first break when they formed TRIBE OF HEAVEN.

THE DEELE were an R&B group composed of BABYFACE on keyboards, guitar & lead vocals, L.A. REID on drums, KAYO on bass, CARLOS "SATIN" GREENE & DARNELL "DEE" BRISTOL on vocals and for a while STANLEY BURKE on keyboards and guitars. They reached the apex of success with the release of their 1987 set EYES OF A STRANGER, which includes their 1988 Top Ten hit TWO OCCASIONS. This success launched L.A. and BABYFACE careers as songwriters and producers through LaFACE RECORDS. BABYFACE also embarked on a successful solo career starting in 1989.

Maraming salamat po!!

BONG M. SANTOS
Manila, Philippines