Pure Essence | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Cincinnati, Ohio, United States |
| Genres | Funk, R&B, soul, rock |
| Years active | 1973–1982 |
| Labels | Mantra, Soul Cal |
| Past members | Steve "Tuck" Walters Jerome "Mouse" Richmond Antonio "L.A." Reid Kevin "Kayo" Roberson Toby Rivers Tony Coats Dwight Trible Larry Middleton |
Pure Essence were an American R&B band from Cincinnati, Ohio, originally consisting of Steve "Tuck" Walters, Jerome "Mouse" Richmond, Toby Rivers, Tony Coats, Dwight Trible, Larry Middleton, Antonio "L.A." Reid, and Kevin "Kayo" Roberson. The band released only one record, in 1976, and achieved limited regional fame during their tenure. But they received wider attention and acclaim nearly three decades later after one of their songs, "Third Rock", was sampled by producer/musician RJD2 on the track "Clean Living" (2004). The group's songs later appeared on the Chrome Children compilation album (2005), the Saints Row 2 video game soundtrack (2008), and the Soul Cal: Funky Disco & Modern Soul, 1971–82 compilation album (2012). A 2006 issue of The Fader called Pure Essence a "crucial soul-rock outfit" of the 1970s.[1]