Starpoint is an American R&B sextet from Maryland that began recording in 1976, then obtaining a recording contract in 1980, releasing a string of solid albums first on the Casablanca sub-label Chocolate City, and later on Elektra. While the band's earlier albums, especially 1980's Keep on It were more funk than R&B, vocalist Renée Diggs brought the R&B elements to the forefront with her powerful vocals which had both presence and sophistication, coupled with perfect pitch and fantastic tone. The principal members of Starpoint are Ernesto Phillips, George Phillips, Orlando Phillips, Gregory Phillips, Renee Diggs, and Kayode Adeyemo. Starpoint's producers over the years included Lionel Job, Keith Diamond, Bernard Edwards, Ernesto Phillips, George Phillips, Starpoint and Teddy Riley.
Biography
Beginnings
Starpoint was originally formed from the musical evolution of the Phillips Family in late 1960. J.R. and the Royals was the first band, with brothers, George Jr., Ernesto, Lloyd, Orlando, and Gregory Phillips. later, the group changed names to Licyndiana. They were multi-instrumentalists. They welcomed many friends along during this musical development and added Adeyemo. The next true and great find was Renee Diggs! After this foundation had stabilized, Renée Diggs came on board as the lead singer! With so much musical/instrumental talent between them, the Phillips brothers each came to specialize in particular instruments within the band, with Ernesto Phillips handling lead guitar, lead and background vocals and trumpet; Orlando Phillips on bass guitar and keyboards, saxophone, and background vocals; Gregory Phillips on drums, percussion, and background vocals; and George Phillips, Jr. on keyboards and lead and background vocals. Renee Diggs shared principal lead and background vocal duties. By 1979 the Phillips Brother's band had scored a national recording deal!Starpoint' was. The group released, self-titled debut album in 1980. STARPOINT! One of the singles from this album, "I Just Wanna Dance with You," became their first top 20hit on the R&B chart. They would continue to release at least one album every year throughout the first half of the 80s, scoring several hits on the R&B chart] They were picked up by Elektra Records which reissued their sole Boardwalk album, 1983's It's So Delicious.
Superstardom
Major success happened when the band released'Restless'' brought them significant crossover success onto the pop charts with the Top 30 single "Object of My Desire." Co-written by band members Kayode Adeyemo and Ernesto Phillips, the tune also became Starpoint's first of several R&B top-ten hits. The follow-up single "What You've Been Missin'" followed "Object..." into the R&B top ten. The title track "Restless" was also released as a single and did decently on both the pop and R&B charts. The band embarked on a lengthy tour in support of the album, during which Renée Diggs became well respected for her explosive vocal abilities, with Greg Phillips also earning a reputation for his dynamic drumming skills which garnered many standing ovations. Later in 1985, the band was on tour with Morris Day The second half of the "Restless Tour" had the group touring with Luther Vandross, Isley Jasper Isley, and Atlantic Starr.
After Starpoint
In 1990, Renée Diggs recorded a solo album titled Oasis that was not initially released in the U.S., although it did see a release in Europe. Several of the tracks on this album were co-written by Diggs and Starpoint guitarist Ernesto Phillips. She created the Renée Diggs Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis, to help bring attention to the disease. Other band members became involved with songwriting and session work for various other R&B artists. In 1988, Adeyemo was credited with co-writing Milli Vanilli's hit "Pop/Rock Song Of The Year" "Girl You KnowIt's True." Milli Vanilli's accompanying American album, titled after the hit single, also featured a song composed by Ernesto Phillips, entitled "More Than You'll Ever Know" Orlando Phillips and Greg Phillips launched international projects which still are successful to date and have been witnessed and enjoyed by fans all over the world. In 2000, Ernesto began working with singer-songwriter Terry Cole and signed him to his label, Longevity Records. The pair would collaborate on many tracks from 2000–2001. Ernesto also played a huge role in the launching of the career of Grammy Award-winning superstar Toni Braxton.
Tragedies
Ernesto Phillips's death
On March 25, 2004, Ernesto Phillips died as the result of a stroke. The Ernesto Phillips Scholarship for Talented Youth was established in his memory and as a tribute to his efforts in helping younger children to realize their ambitions of becoming musicians.
Renée Diggs's death
Just a week shy of the one-year anniversary of the death of longtime companion Ernesto Phillips, Renée Diggs also died at the age of 50, due to a heart condition. Her album Oasis was finally released in the U.S., posthumously.
