Steppin'

Steppin' is the third studio album by the Pointer Sisters, released in 1975 on the ABC/Blue Thumb label.

History

Steppin', which was more R&B heavy than the sister quartet's previous albums, generated a number one R&B hit with its first single, "How Long (Betcha' Got a Chick on the Side)". It also peaked at #20 on the Billboard Hot 100. A second single, "Going Down Slowly", was moderately successful, peaking at #16 on the R&B chart and #61 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album was remastered and issued on CD in 2006 by Hip-O Select.

Track listing

Personnel

Production

Stepping (African-American)

Stepping or step-dancing is a form of percussive dance in which the participant's entire body is used as an instrument to produce complex rhythms and sounds through a mixture of footsteps, spoken word, and hand claps. Though stepping may be performed by an individual, it is generally performed by groups of three or more, often in arrangements that resemble military formations.

Stepping may also draw from elements of gymnastics, break dance, tap dance, march, or African and Caribbean dance, or include semi-dangerous stunts as a part of individual routines. The speed of the step depends on the beat and rhythm the performer wants it to sound. Some forms of stepping include the use of props, such as canes, rhythm sticks and/or fire and blindfolds.

The tradition of stepping is rooted within the competitive schoolyard song and dance rituals practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities, beginning in the mid-1900s.

Stepping

Stepping finds its origins in a combination of military close-order and exhibition drill, and African foot dances such as the Welly "gumboot" dance. It also originally drew heavily from the stage routines and movements of popular R&B groups such as the Temptations and The Four Tops. During the mid-20th century, historically-black fraternities and sororities on United States college campuses traditionally sang and chanted to celebrate "crossing over" into membership of their respective organizations. Stepping is also performed by schools, churches, cheerleading squads, and drill teams.

Steppin: The Movie

Steppin: The Movie is a 2009 American musical comedy film. The film stars Wesley Jonathan and Chrystee Pharris, and was the last film directed by Michael Taliferro.

Plot

A college campus springs to life when the local radio station announces the official opening of the step competition season. As the fraternities and sororities work to recruit the best talent, the heat is on to win big prize money and campus bragging rights.

Cast

Production notes