George Semper needs little introduction to soul and funk music fans. Trinidadian-America multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, and label owner from San Diego, California is known as an innovator of the jazz organ, wielding major influence on funk, soul & later hip-hop during the early 90’s Golden Era notably sampled by Cypress Hill on their hit Insane In The Brain, Pete Rock & CL Smooth’s Act Like Ya Know and MC Serch’s Back to the Grill Again.

About Candy Rae

I learned of Candy Rae, from the catalog of my late Father George Semper. Born Rachel L. Holden in 1946 Philadelphia, PA she’s known for a duet with Ron Kenoly as “Ron & Candy” & their 1973 Inner City Records hit single ‘Lovely Weekend/ Plastic Situation’.

Candy & Ron, solo recordings on Inner City went unreleased except for this sweet soul gem “Tenderness’ from Candy, we present for your enjoyment!

In her youth Candy, was a recognized talent in her church choir. Making her way to Hollywood, Semper discovered her
from memorable performances at Wonder Gardens, Club Harlem, & Soundtrack backing Jimmy McGriff & Kool & The Gang. ‘Tenderness’ backstory begins in 1969 with Semper relocating from Las Vegas, backing Ray Charles & headlining in a tuxedo at Caesars Palace as “George Semper & The Soul Patrol”, to Black is Beautiful LA, Compton, & Watts.

Joining The Merry Clayton Group, he went bearded & began wearing a turban as seen in Wattstax. In a new music era of urban creatives, fusion, & electronics, Semper, envi- sioned label was creative refuge for Talent backed by his production command center!

Inner City launched in 1972 setting up shop at 1752 W. Adams in LA. The first release Ron & Candy, ‘Lovely Weekend / Plastic Situation’ was a hit selling 150k copies! Pair- ing Candy & Ron (now a renowned gospel singer) paid off!

Massive radio play championed by Legendary KDAY DJ Wolfman Jack. His cross-border XERB “The Mighty 1090” radio blasted “50,K watts of Boss Soul Power” across the USA! Sadly, the single was their only release as a duet.

‘Tenderness’ Candy’s first solo was co-written by Marshall McQueen, Jr.. He & George met at Capitol Records, during production of ‘Stuck In The Mud’ by Myles Grayson which Marshall wrote and plays guitar. After hearing ‘Tenderness’ George knew it had to be her first tune.

Candy, collaborated with label mates & under alias. This is how aliases “Annie Mae Penbrook” and “Funkhouse with Candy” came about. Obscure to the masses, she’s left a lasting Legacy in the Inner City catalog, compilations, & re-issues with labels worldwide!

Recorded at Wally Heider Studios Hollywood, in keeping with authenticity the master tapes for this released were transferred at Wally Heider, San Francisco now named Hyde Street Studio -Tape Vault.

Inner City Records was a keystone to future Semper productions & posterity as a model predecessor of modern artist led, production oriented, independent labels.