The Brand New Heavies

The Brand New Heavies are an English band formed in 1985, consisting of Simon Bartholomew, Andrew Levy, and Jan Kincaid.

After the addition of N'Dea Davenport in 1990, the group experienced mainstream success and pioneered a new genre called acid jazz.

The album was reissued in 1991 with newly recorded vocals by American singer-songwriter N'Dea Davenport, a new addition to the lineup.

The album's singles "Never Stop", "Dream Come True", and "Don't Let It Go to Your Head" became a success with the latter two charting in UK Top 25.

After Anderson's departure in 2000, the group experienced a decline in mainstream popularity after being fronted by several session singers before Davenport's return in 2006.

The Brand New Heavies have sold over 2.5 million records worldwide and regarded as one of the leading bands in the genre of acid jazz.

At Drayton Manor High School Simon Bartholomew, Jan Kincaid, and Andrew Levy formed a band to compete in the inter-house music competition.

They played different genres and were for a time known as "Coke Bottle Willy" In 1985, Simon Bartholomew, Jan Kincaid, and Andrew Levy formed a band originally called Brother International.

The group added female vocalist Jaye Ella Ruth to the lineup and began recording their first album.

[6] The album's lead single "Dream Come True" peaked at number sixty-three on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

[7] The success of the album invited the group to perform on Soul Train, Showtime at the Apollo, and Top of the Pops.

[7][9] The album spawned the single "Dream On Dreamer" which became crossover hit, peaking within the top twenty on several international music charts.

Davenport left the group due to irreconcilable differences in 1996 and was replaced with American singer-songwriter Siedah Garrett.

In a statement issued from Davenport's Facebook, she announced that she was not invited to rejoin the group on their concert tours and any shows marketed with her likeness would not include her.

[21][22] On 10 October 2013, The Brand New Heavies released a statement on their website stating that Dawn Joseph had officially joined the band as full-time lead vocalist.

[23] In October 2014, The Brand New Heavies released their ninth studio album Sweet Freaks, with Dawn Joseph on lead vocals.

In April 2019, The Brand New Heavies released "Getaway", a previously recorded unreleased song which featured N'Dea Davenport on vocals.

[28] In April 2021, an art exhibition called Brand New Heavies was curated by Racquel Chevremont and Mickalene Thomas.

N'Dea Davenport was the most notable lead vocalist of The Brand New Heavies.
Dawn Joseph was lead vocalist for the band from 2013 to 2015.