Being in the music industry can be a tough job. The competition is high, and creating music that reaches the hearts of the audience can be daunting. However, the one artist who reached the heights of success despite the barriers is Emanuel Rahiem Leblanc. He was the vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter of the amazing American music band GQ. It’s songs are still evergreen and melodic.
Emanuel Rahiem Leblanc was the founding member of this band, and because of this, he became famous. But the fans of this American R&B band still want to know more and more about Emanuel Rahiem Leblanc. They want to know the journey of Emanuel Rahiem Leblanc in this band. So, without waiting any further, let’s get into the biography of Emanuel.
Learn about Emanuel Rahiem Leblanc’s American Group, GQ
GQ was a famous American group that was created in the Bronx, New York. Emanuel Rahiem Leblanc was always a member of the group. However the group became successful mainly in disco and R&B. As of 1968, the main membership of the GQ group played professionally under various group names.
| GQ Band Members Details |
| Emanuel Rahiem Leblanc |
| Keith Crier |
| Herb Lane |
| Paul Service |
| Steve Adorno |
| Kevin J. Zambrana |
GQ Band Discography
Albums Released
| Soul on Your Side |
| Disco Nights |
| Two |
| Face to Face |
| A Tribute to Marvin Gaye and Billy Stewart |
Singles
| Zone |
| Make My Dream Reality |
| I Do Love You |
| Sitting in the Park |
| G.Q. Down |
| Shake |
| Sad Girl |
| Try Smurfin |
You are the One for me |
History of the GQ group involving Emanuel Rahiem Leblanc
The group formed in 1968 as a quartet by the name of Sabu and the Survivors. The Sabu had a moniker for a member called Keith Crier. However, in the 1970s, the group renamed itself the Rhythm Makers. During the 1970s, the group mostly performed funk music. The group was made up of five percenters. However, the Rhythm Makers involved Emanuel Rahiem Leblanc, Keith Crier, Herb Lane, and Kenny Banks.
Along with Emanuel Rahiem Leblanc, the group at that time released an album called ‘Soul on Your Side’. This was in 1976, along with the De-Lite Records subsidiary known as Vigor Records. With this record label, the group created one international hit called ‘Zone’. But in 1978, Kenny Banks was replaced by Paul Service.
It was then that the manager of the group suggested renaming the group. This is how it was named ‘GQ’, which means ‘good quality’. Also, the group signed with Arista Records.
The successful phase of GQ and Emanuel Rahiem Leblanc
The group became successful by playing music representative and by being influenced by the period’s disco sound. They had various loved and top-ranked singles in various markets like US pop, US disco/club, etc. GQ’s biggest hit was during the 1979s, named ‘Disco Nights’. This is a single from their album called ‘Disco Nights’, and this single reached #1 on the R&B charts, #12 on the Billboard Hot 100, as well as #3 on the Hot Dance Club Play. This sold more than one million copies in the United States. Moreover, the single reached #42 in the UK singles chart.
This single’s remake was ‘I Do Love You’ which also became popular and got to number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, in 1980, Paul Service fractured his wrist in an accident. Due to this, Stevie ‘Beatz’ Adorno was hired as a drummer. But Paul was completely replaced by Stevie. Later, he performed with the band from 1980 to 2010.
Rumours related to the GQ band and Emanuel Rahiem Leblanc
No matter if Emanuel Rahiem Leblanc was part of the group, there were rumours related to other group members. Keith ‘Sabu’ Crier was a member of the group called ‘the Halos’. He was the uncle of Keith Sweat. There was a rumour that after the group broke up, he led on with a solo career by using the name Keith Sweat.
Also, there was another rumour that he was a GQ member before becoming a solo artist. However, not all of these rumours are true. No wonder there were many things that happened during that time. Also, Emanuel Rahiem Leblanc later signed with Capitol Records. He even recorded a solo album named ‘Always Be Around, which was released in 1991. Emanuel Rahiem Leblanc still tours with the group and is famous by the name Mr. Q, which is an in-name tribute to the GQ band.
Conclusion
The GQ band had a great music career and released many successful singles. Emanuel Rahiem Leblanc, as a member, vocalist, songwriter and guitarist of the band, did immensely well and still tours with the band. He is also known by the name of Mr. Q. No wonder; there were many rumors related to the band and its members, but not all of them were true. The band is still entertaining audiences with its music.
FAQs
Who is Emanuel Rahiem Leblanc?
He was the lead vocalist, songwriter and guitarist of the hit American R&B band, GQ.
Where did the band GQ form?
The American R&B band GQ was formed in The Bronx, New York. However, it professionally started performing in 1968.
Which is their biggest hit?
The band GQ is known for many hit songs. However, the biggest hit was Disco Nights released in 1979 from the album Disco Nights.
