Formations

Best known for their Northern soul classic "At the Top of the Stairs," the Formations formed in Philadelphia in 1966. Comprised of Victor Drayton, Jerry Akins, Ernie Brooks, Reginald Turner, and Johnny Bellman, the group made its recorded debut as backing vocalists on the Coed label single "Sad Illusion," credited to Margie & the Formations. "At the Top of the Stairs" followed on Bank in 1967 -- written by Akins and soon-to-be-legendary composer/producer Leon Huff, the single boasted almost Baroque flourishes on top of its gorgeous harmonies and driving beat, anticipating the ...