Classic Sullivans

Lorraine, Barbara, and Albert "Eddie" Sullivan are family members who were produced by the Chi-lites' Marshall Thompson. Thompson and Eddie sung in the Desideros, a group that included another future Chi-lite bass singer Creadel "Red" Jones. With the Chi-lites rolling, Thompson started taking on outside projects and who better to work with than old buddy Eddie's hot new group. Eddie sung with the Four Gents, who recorded for Park and Nite Owl Records before the Desideros. In 1971, the Classic Sullivans debuted with "We Can Make It" b/w "Shame, Shame, Shame" on Master Key Records, it received plenty of print advertising but little DJ promotion. Two more releases on Kwanza Records in 1973 didn't generate any overtime at pressing plants or distributors either, though "I Don't Want To Lose You" became popular in some areas, and "You're Gonna Paint Yourself In A Corner" deserved better. Eddie Sullivan wrote every side but "I Don't Want To Lose You," collaborating with Thompson on three. Thompson lost interest, and with no mentor, the promising group was history after three singles.