“I Want To Thank You“ (Extended)(1981) Alicia Myers

This is track 8 from the 1982 album “I Fooled You This Time“ orginally released on her 1981 debut solo album “Alicia“. Written by Kevin McCord Alicia Myers’ parents, Margaret Myers and the late Lawrence Myers, bought musical instruments for their talented children with hopes that they might become professional entertainers. Little did they know, their middle child Alicia, born November 20, 1957, would not only become an internationally known recording artist, but a survivor of breast cancer, and childhood tuberculosis. In April 1968 at age 10, Alicia and her older brother Jackie won first place in a talent show at Detroit’s Martin Luther King Jr., HS, singing Marvin Gaye and Tammy Terrell’s Ain’t Nothin’ Like the Real Thing. They later formed a band (The Move Mystics) and a girl trio (The Mild Tones) performing throughout the Detroit area until they disbanded in 1975. Alicia continued singing solo until 1978 when she became a lead vocalist with Al Hudson & The Soul Partners -- now One Way. For three years she traveled, co-wrote and sang lead on several popular hits such as You Can Do It, Music, and Do Your Thang on MCA/Universal Records. They performed to sold-out audiences throughout Africa, Canada, Europe, and the United States. Impressed with Alicia’s raw, three-octave, alto voice and the escalating public interest, MCA Records decided it was time for a solo project. The outcome was her phenomenal 1981 debut album, Alicia, produced by One Way’s bassist/writer, Kevin McCord. This album brought us such wonderful hits as the gospel/soul I Want To Thank You (Heavenly Father), Don’t Stop What You’re Doin’ and If You Play Your Cards Right. Alicia recorded four successful albums with MCA/Universal throughout the 1980’s. Her I Appreciate album contains the soulful ballads Don’t Do Me This Way, and I Just Can’t Stay Away (by Natalie Cole). Her smash release, Say, Say, Say, topped Billboard’s R&B charts peaking at 3. The New Music Awards also nominated her Best Female Artist of 1984. She has toured with Ashford & Simpson, The O’Jays, Peabo Bryson, The Whispers, and the late Roger Troutman of Zapp.