Originally formed in 1964 and known as The Poets, the New York-based trio of Luther Simmons Jr., Tony Silvester and Donald McPherson recorded a couple of singles for RCA Records before a name change in 1968 to The Main Ingredient. Their first album, L.T.D. (from the initials of each member), was released in 1970 and consisted of six original songs penned by the group along with a medley of two songs written by Jimmy Webb, By the Time I Get to Phoenix and Wichita Lineman, both originally recorded by Glen Campbell; and a cover of The Beatles Get Back. Production was primarily by renowned arranger Bert DeCoteaux (who would later become a co-producer with Tony Silvester of hits for Ben E. King, Sister Sledge and others), with one track produced by acclaimed New York conductor/arranger Horace Ott. The album contained four singles, one of which, You ve Been My Inspiration, was a Top 30 R&B hit.,After a follow-up album, Tasteful Soul, the group self-produced their third release, 1971 s Black Seeds, which boasted two singles with Black Seeds Keep On Growing, a black empowerment anthem penned by McPherson, reaching No. 15 on the U.S. R&B charts. Sadly, after a sudden and unexpected illness, McPherson succumbed to leukemia before the LP was released. The album was dedicated to his memory by the two remaining members, who added Cuba Gooding, Sr. as their third member in 1972.Real Gone Music in association with SoulMusic Records is proud to present these two rare albums on CD for the first time worldwide, along with a bonus B-side, Psychedelic Ride, with remastering by Vic Anesini at Sony s own Battery Studios. Liner notes by acclaimed writer Kevin Goins document the early years of this important mainstay R&B group of the 70s.
