The group was formed in 1976 at Kentucky State University by the Calloway brothers (trumpeter Reginald, and trombone player Vincent), with vocalist Belinda Lipscomb. Signing to RCA Records, they released their first album, The Beginning in 1980, with a host of studio musicians. In 1982, they moved to SOLAR Records, and releasing a second album, Victory now with a real band behind them (guitarist Melvin Gentry, bassist Kenneth Gant, drummer Bobby Lovelace, multi-instrumentalist Bill Simmons and keyboard player Bo Watson).
Due to the Calloways' production skills, it didn't take long for Midnight Star to connect with black listeners, hitting the R&B charts with early singles like "Hot Spot" and "I've Been Watching You." Their fourth album, No Parking on the Dance Floor released in 1983, took them to the top of the charts with the first single, "Freak-A-Zoid," which went to number two, on the R&B charts and propelled the album to platinum status. Their next album, Planetary Invasion was almost as big, going platinum again and making the pop Top 20 and the number one spot on the R&B charts with its first single, "Operator."
In 1986, they came out with their sixth album, Headlines, which was their third album to sell at least gold. It was not to be their last, as the Calloways departed in 1988. The group retooled, now down to seven members they produced and recorded their self-titled Midnight Star album. The single "Don't Rock the Boat" featured a rap by Ecstasy from the group Whodini. It would reach number 3 on the R&B charts. The album would also be certified gold.
In 1990 the band recorded Work It Out, their last album for Solar Records with internal problems between the distributor and record label the project was doomed. One of the standout tracks was called "Money Can't Buy You Love" a Belinda Lipscomb composition.
After 13 years of recording, touring, dealing with band issues, and label politics the group took a
long over due hiatus. They remained active in the business doing individual projects with Melvin Gentry and Bo Watson creating the production team "Bo & McArthur" writing, recording, and producing hits for Shanice Wilson and Toni Braxton. Bo also served as Music Director for Babyface on MTV Unplugged concert series and CD recording that featured Stevie Wonder and Eric Clapton.
Belinda Lipscomb found success singing on Emmy nominated TV and Radio commerials. She also landed lead roles in several musicals and gospel plays. Bassist Kenneth Gant became a record producer and executive for an LA based label. Bobby Lovelace and Bill Simmons worked on many music and media related projects. Jeff Cooper decided to retire from performing and create a music publication dedicated to educating young music hopefuls about the pros and cons of the music industry.
After a few years, the members began calling each other to see how they were doing. It became obvious during those conversations that the performing bug had hit them. It was time to give themselves and fans what they all were missing, a Midnight Star Reunion. The band quickly reformed and were back out on the concert circuit. In 1999 Capitol Records/Right Stuff released Midnight Star "Anniversary Collection" this CD covered many of their past hits. It also gave the band the opportunity to contribute a brand new "Slow Jam Live" and Freak-A-Zoid track for the CD.
In 2002 the band released their first album in over 12 years, entitled "15th Avenue. Today the band continues to perform for audiences all over the world. You can catch up with the band on their website.
www.midnightstarband.com
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Night Rider
Midnight Star Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Love is overdue
The tiredness of a broken heart
Has cast its shadow on you
You're so tired of flirting
You want a love that's certain
You want a love that will last
Getting out harmful
From this accelerated romance
And I'll give love to you fast
I'll be your knight in shining amour
When you call my name I'll come to ease the pain
I'll ride the night like a black stallion, baby
I'll be bearing the torch to ignite your flames
Cause I'm a night rider, I'm a love provider
Night rider, I'll come for you in the night
Night rider, I'm gonna take you higher
Night rider
It's cold and you're shivering, baby
Nobody knows why you weep
The night has dealt you a dirty hand
I aint gonna let you sleep, no no no
I've come to comfort you, now
Yeah, I'm sure, I know how
To satisfy your needs
I've got my engine running
Oh no, girl, I'm coming
To make your night complete
I'll be your knight in shining amour
When you call my name I'll come to ease the pain
I'll ride the night like a black stallion, baby
I'll be bearing the torch to ignite your flames
Cause I'm a night rider, I'm a love provider
Night rider, I'll come for you in the night
Night rider, I'm gonna take you higher
Night rider, no one else can make you feel alright
Night rider, I'm a love provider
Night rider, I will come for you in the night
Night rider, I'm gonna take you higher
Night rider, ooh baby, please
Night rider, let me take it to the max, baby
Night rider, oh baby
Night rider, I will ride you through the night
Night rider, baby, let me, let me
I'll be your knight in shining amour
When you call my name I'll come to ease the pain
I'll ride the night like a black stallion, baby
I'll be bearing the torch to ignite your flames
Cause I'm a night rider, I'm a love provider
Night rider, I'll come for you in the night
Night rider, let me take you higher
Night rider, let me take it to the max, baby
Night rider, I'm a love provider
Night rider, let me take it high, baby
Night rider, let me do, do, let me get to you
Night rider, let me do, do, let me get to you
Night rider, let me do, do, let me get to you
Night rider, let me take it, baby
The lyrics of Midnight Star's song Night Rider convey the message of finding love and comfort in the midst of loneliness and heartbreak. The song addresses a woman who is tired of flirtatious and short-term encounters and craves a love that is genuine and long-lasting. The night rider, who is portrayed as her knight in shining armor, promises to fulfill her desire for a stable and passionate relationship. He is committed to making her feel safe and satisfied by being there for her in the darkest of times. He is also portrayed as a provider of love and a bearer of torch to ignite her flames.
The song is also an expression of the night rider's confidence and determination to win over his love interest's heart. He is aware that her past experiences have caused her pain and suffering, and he is determined to ease that pain and make her night complete. The night rider's passion for his love interest is demonstrated by his readiness to go the extra mile and take it to the max to fulfill her needs.
Overall, Night Rider is a love song that celebrates the idea of finding love and comfort in the midst of loneliness and heartbreak. Through its lyrics, the song expresses the longing for authentic and long-lasting love, and the commitment of the night rider to provide it.
Line by Line Meaning
Late at night if you're lonely, girl
At night time when you are alone, girl
Love is overdue
You need some love
The tiredness of a broken heart
Your heart is tired from being broken
Has cast its shadow on you
You are haunted by your past heartbreak
You're so tired of flirting
You are tired of casual relationships
You want a love that's certain
You want a stable and sure relationship
You want a love that will last
You want a long-term love
Getting out harmful
Exiting a toxic relationship
From this accelerated romance
From this fast-paced relationship
And I'll give love to you fast
I will love you quickly
I'll be your knight in shining amour
I will be your protector
When you call my name I'll come to ease the pain
I will come to comfort you when you need me
I'll ride the night like a black stallion, baby
I will conquer the night to be with you
I'll be bearing the torch to ignite your flames
I will ignite your passion
Cause I'm a night rider, I'm a love provider
I am a provider of love, a night rider
Night rider, I'll come for you in the night
I will be there for you in the night
Night rider, I'm gonna take you higher
I will make you feel better
Night rider
I am a night rider
It's cold and you're shivering, baby
You are feeling cold and shivering
Nobody knows why you weep
No one knows the reason for your tears
The night has dealt you a dirty hand
You have been hurt by the night or life's circumstances
I aint gonna let you sleep, no no no
I will not let you continue to suffer
I've come to comfort you, now
I am here to make you feel better
Yeah, I'm sure, I know how
I am sure and confident that I can help you
To satisfy your needs
To fulfill your desires
I've got my engine running
I am ready to go
Oh no, girl, I'm coming
I am coming to you
To make your night complete
To make your night perfect
Night rider, no one else can make you feel alright
I am the only one who can make you feel better
Night rider, ooh baby, please
Please let me help you
Night rider, let me take it to the max, baby
Let me be the best for you
Night rider, I'm a love provider
I am a provider of love
Night rider, let me take it high, baby
Let me make you feel great
Night rider, let me do, do, let me get to you
Let me make my love for you known
Night rider, let me take it, baby
Let me make you feel good
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: BELINDA G. LIPSCOMB, BOAZ WATSON, JEFFREY ISAIAH COOPER, MELVIN GENTRY, WILLIAM B. SIMMONS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind