ODYSSEY

Formed in New York City, vocalists Lillian, Louise and Carmen Lopez were originally known as the Lopez Sisters. Their parents came from the Virgin Islands, but they were born and raised in Stamford, Connecticut, USA. Carmen left the group in 1968 and was replaced by Tony Reynolds (b. Manila), who, after the group's first album, was replaced by Bill McEachern. Odyssey's 1977 release, “Native New Yorker”, reached the US Top 20, but the song proved more popular in the UK where it peaked at number 5. It was not until 1980 that Odyssey appeared again in the UK chart with the first of several UK hits. “Use It Up And Wear It Out” topped the chart in June of that year, while the beautiful, soulful ballad, “If You're Looking For A Way Out”, gave them their third Top 10 hit. Two more effortless pop/soul offerings, “Going Back To My Roots” (1981) and “Inside Out” (1982), reached the Top 5. However, the lack of sustained success at home hampered the group's wider progress and they latterly broke up.

Discography: Odyssey (RCA 1977)***, Hollywood Party Tonight (RCA 1978)***, Hang Together (RCA 1980)***, I Got The Melody (RCA 1981)**, Happy Together (RCA 1982)**, A Piping Journey (Mannick Music 1987)**.

Compilations: Best Of Odyssey (RCA 1981)***, Magic Touch Of Odyssey (Telstar 1982)**, Magic Moments With Odyssey (RCA 1984)***, Greatest Hits (Stylus 1987)***, Greatest Hits (RCA 1990)***.