Detroit Emeralds: The Smooth Soul Sound of Motor City

The Detroit Emeralds were an American vocal group that became a staple of 1970s soul music. Hailing from Detroit, Michigan, they are best known for their smooth harmonies and the 1972 hit single "You Want It, You Got It," which became a defining track of the era.

Early career

The group was formed in the late 1960s by brothers Ivory, Abrim, and Cleophus Tilmon, who had moved from Little Rock, Arkansas, to the musical hotbed of Detroit. They initially recorded for the small Detroit label Ric-Tic Records before signing with Westbound Records, a label that would become central to their success and was also home to funk pioneers Funkadelic.

Breakthrough

The Detroit Emeralds' breakthrough came in 1972 with the release of "You Want It, You Got It." The single peaked at number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached number 4 on the Billboard R&B chart, solidifying their national profile. This success was followed by the album You Want It, You Got It, which showcased their blend of sweet soul and subtle funk.

Key tracks

You Want It, You Got It - This 1972 single is their signature song, a masterclass in smooth, mid-tempo soul with an unforgettable chorus.

Baby Let Me Take You (In My Arms) - A earlier hit from 1971, this track highlighted their tender vocal harmonies and helped establish their sound.

Feel the Need - A later release that remains a favorite among soul collectors for its driving rhythm and passionate delivery.

Do Me Right - This track exemplifies the group's ability to craft soulful ballads with a polished, melodic sensibility.

Throughout the mid-1970s, the Detroit Emeralds continued to release albums for Westbound, including I'm in Love with You and Sound of Detroit. Their music, while rooted in soul, often incorporated the emerging disco rhythms of the time, as heard on tracks like "Wear This Ring (With Love)." The group's lineup and label affiliations shifted later in the decade before they eventually disbanded.

Fans of the Detroit Emeralds' harmonious soul sound may also enjoy the music of The Delfonics, who pioneered a similar style of sweet, orchestrated Philly soul. The smooth vocals of The Stylistics also share a clear musical kinship. For the classic Motown sound from the same city, explore The Temptations, and for another Westbound Records soul act, listen to The Ohio Players.

The music of the Detroit Emeralds, with its timeless blend of soul and pop, continues to be celebrated on classic soul and oldies radio formats. Their recordings capture a specific moment in the evolution of R&B, bridging the gap between vocal group harmony and the dancefloor.

The soulful tracks of the Detroit Emeralds are featured in the playlists of radio stations available on our platform, offering listeners a direct connection to their smooth 1970s sound.