CHOONS

Howard Johnson Channels His Inner 007 In "So Fine"

Episode Summary

Time to get sophisticated and funky with singer Howard Johnson, and producers Paul Laurence and XL Middleton, all together to discuss an ultimate boogie classic: 1982's "So Fine," written and co-produced by the legendary Kashif.

Episode Notes

Exposed to a sea of different influences, from Andy Williams and Frank Sinatra, to The Jackson 5 and Earth Wind and Fire, Howard Johnson started his career with a series of bands that included Niteflyte, whose single “If You Want It” cracked the US top 40 in 1979. After Niteflyte split, his life took an unexpected turn when he got the exciting opportunity to cut records with the legendary producers Kashif, Paul Laurence and Morrie Brown, already riding high with the megahit “I’m In Love” by Evelyn Champagne King.

Out of those sessions came a song that almost landed on Evelyn’s lap but that, ultimately, fit like a glove with Howard’s suave approach, mixed in with Kashif’s revolutionary studio techniques and multilayered vocal arrangements. Almost four decades after its release, “So Fine” is still regarded as one of the best boogie funk songs of all time and a testament to Kashif’s long lasting influence.