Jay and the Techniques at Music Pier

Jay and the Techniques, best known for mega hits such as Apple, Peaches Pumpkin Pie and Keep the Ball Rolling will perform at the Ocean City Music Pier, Sat., Sept. 12 at 8 p.m.
Tickets are available at the Music Pier Box Office, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace, 609-525-9248 ext. 17 or on line at www.ocnj.us.
In 1966 Philadelphia songwriter and producer Jerry Ross signed one of his new discoveries, Jay and the Techniques, to record a song by Maurice Irby called “Apple, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie.” The rest, as they say is history.
With Apple, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie the group found the right mix of rhythm and blues and bubble gum appeal and vaulted into the top ten. Writers Denny Randell and Sandy Lizner supplied “Keep The Ball Rollin,” the group’s successful follow-up. Singles like “Strawberry Shortcake” and “Baby Make Your Own Sweet Music” continued the group’s pop fortune.
Their albums showed versatility with a more pronounced “northern soul sound,” a combination of Motown beat with Philly production.
Jay and the Techniques were from Allentown, Pa. The group was born when lead vocalist, Jay Proctor and second vocalist George Lloyd teamed with an all-white band, one of the first integrated groups in Pop Music. Melba Moore was one of the group’s back-up singers.
During the 70s disco became popular and the group was ready for it with a danceable sound. The Techniques scored with Barry White’s “I Feel Love Coming On” and “Number Onederful.”
In 1996 Mercury Records released a bench mark 20 song CD collection, “The Best of Jay and the Techniques” In September of that year Jay performed at the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.
In 1998 Mercury released “The Main Course,” Jay’s first new album in 20 years. The album was universally praised by numerous publications including Behind the Scenes, Goldmine, Living Blues and Discoveries. Jay’s voice was described as “richer and huskier.”
The group continues to perform today in venues throughout the United States and the World.