Krystol

Though Krystol never achieved a knockout smash, their efforts as a mid-'80s female R&B act ultimately helped pave the way for later luminaries such as Exposé and En Vogue. In addition to solidifying a distinctive group sound, each of the quartet's members was capable of delivering solid lead performances. Coupled with Leon Sylvers III's nouveau R&B/funk production, the resulting material was trendsetting. Krystol was ultimately the outgrowth of several earlier groups with slightly varying lineups. In the mid-'70s, Los Angeles-based teenagers Robyrda Stiger (later changing the first name spelling to Roberta), Tina Scott, and Karon Floyd formed Crystal Blue, a local act that enjoyed success in clubs such as Total Experience and Maverick's Flats. The group disbanded by the latter part of the decade, but the members remained active in the industry. Upon learning of an audition through a member of Solar funk ensemble Lakeside, Stiger became one-third of soul trio Alton McClain & Destiny. Famed Motown writer and producer Frank Wilson and composer John Footman chose her to round out Destiny, which recorded three albums for Polydor between 1978-1981 and scored an international disco hit, "It Must Be Love." When McClain moved on to a solo career, Stiger and fellow member D'Marie Warren continued their working relationship. Stiger had also remained active with former Crystal Blue member Tina Scott as a songwriter, landing "Simple Things" on Destiny's album, Gonna Tell the World. A chance meeting with an imminent R&B producer of the time, Leon Sylvers III (formerly of the Sylvers), led to a deal with his Silverspoon Productions. Sylvers was impressed with the team's writing, as well as their vocals on the demo for "Don't Try to Change Me" -- which he placed on Shalamar's 1982...