The Manhattans with Surface, Will Donato, and more

Surface, an '80s soft soul trio, rose from Salsoul Records with hits like "The First Time" & "Shower Me With Your Love". Known for lush ballads, the group moved through NY, LA, reaching gold and top charts. Collaborated with New Edition, Sister Sledge.

The Manhattans, formed in Jersey City in 1962, are an R&B group known for adapting to changing times and styles. They gained fame with hits like "Kiss and Say Goodbye" in 1976 and "Shining Star" in 1980. The group, led by Gerald Alston and Winfred "Blue" Lovett, won a Grammy and remained influential with smooth soul ballads. They collaborated with producer Leo Graham and had successful albums with Columbia. Despite member changes, the group persevered, reuniting in the '90s and continuing to perform until recent years.

Will Donato, a dynamic performer born in the U.S., is renowned in smooth jazz, topping charts with "Infinite Soul." He’s played the Blue Note NYC, collaborated with stars like Al McKay and Richard Elliot, and his music features in films like Thelma & Louise.