In this episode of “Sitting in the Park” on WHPK 88.5 FM, Chicago, Bob Abrahamian hosts a rich conversation with soul singer Rufus Wonder. Wonder’s story spans multiple cities, from his roots in Bogalusa, Louisiana, to his time in Chicago and Detroit. His journey, which began with a passion for singing in high school choirs, took off with the Blenders—a group he formed in the Navy. Through moves across the Midwest and West Coast, Wonder navigated the shifting tides of soul music, creating his iconic single, “Under the Moon”, with Lando Records. His career highlights not only the resilience of independent artists but also the cross-cultural essence of the Northern Soul scene. Wonder’s reflections reveal a heartfelt dedication to soul music, touching on his artistic pivots and his lasting influence on the genre’s history.
The Soul Odyssey of Rufus Wonder: A Journey Across America’s Music Landscape
The journey of Rufus Wonder is a soulful odyssey that intertwines with significant movements and milestones in American music history. In this insightful interview with Bob Abrahamian, Rufus Wonder charts his path from his humble beginnings in Bogalusa, Louisiana, to performing on stages from Chicago to Detroit, eventually becoming a revered figure in the Northern Soul scene. His story is a testament to the resilience of independent soul artists who shaped the genre with raw passion, personal sacrifice, and creative perseverance.
A Military Start: The Blenders and Early Performances
Rufus Wonder's introduction to singing began in high school but took on a new dimension during his service in the Navy, where he formed The Blenders, a vocal group that entertained troops across the South Pacific. Although they never recorded, The Blenders became a platform for Wonder’s talent, even securing a brief 15-minute TV spot broadcasted to Navy ships—a rare opportunity in the 1950s for young, Black vocalists to be seen and heard by a broader audience. Songs like Rockin' Robin and The Coasters’ hits filled their sets, blending mainstream rock 'n' roll with rhythm and blues, introducing Wonder to diverse audiences and honing his performance style.
Establishing Roots in Chicago: The Little Theater Group
After the Navy, Wonder’s journey took him through several cities, but Chicago held a unique appeal. Settling on the South Side in 1962, he joined the Little Theater Group, located at the Wabash YMCA, where he connected with local soul icons, including Gene Chandler, whom he knew as Eugene Dixon. Wonder recalls the sense of community on the South Side, where families gathered on stoops, children played hopscotch, and the music brought people together—a vivid slice of life that would inform his musical themes and performances.
The Little Theater Group offered Wonder his first real audience outside the military, and it was here that he began refining his sound and identity as a solo artist, eventually adopting the stage name “Rufus Wonder” after seeing a Shreveport store called Wonderland. Through performances in Chicago and neighboring cities, Wonder connected with musicians like Dale Warren, who later introduced him to the Midwest circuit and would become instrumental in his journey to Milwaukee and Detroit.
The Detroit Years: Under the Moon and Northern Soul Stardom
Detroit became a critical juncture in Wonder’s career. Signing with Lando Records in 1964, Wonder recorded his breakout single Under the Moon in 1965, which became an emblematic track of Northern Soul. This recording was a product of the Golden World Studios, a space frequented by artists like The Capitols of Cool Jerk fame. Wonder, with his backup group The Additions, crafted a sound that resonated with Detroit’s vibrant music scene and soon after with the UK’s Northern Soul community.
Under the Moon was inspired by a poignant memory in Chicago’s Washington Park, a theme of longing and memory that would resonate powerfully with listeners. Initially, the single’s B-side, So Upset, was given more airplay until Under the Moon began captivating audiences, becoming a street-level anthem across Detroit and even reaching Canadian stations. Wonder remembers hearing his song emanating from Detroit apartments and cars—a triumphant moment for an artist who, like many, yearned for recognition in an industry known for its challenges.
Rediscovery and Northern Soul Revival
Although Wonder left Detroit for California in the late 1960s, his music would find a new audience decades later with the Northern Soul movement. This subculture, particularly fervent in England, embraced soul tracks from lesser-known American artists, giving them a second life. Rediscovered in the early 2000s, Under the Moon became a Northern Soul classic, placing Wonder in the company of revered soul artists. His attendance at Soul Trip USA in Los Angeles was a reunion of sorts, connecting with Northern Soul fans and other artists who, like him, were experiencing a career revival through the devotion of this dedicated community.
During this time, Wonder also released Stitched to Your Hip, an album featuring new compositions and remixes, extending his legacy into a new era. His story, however, is not merely about rediscovery but about the resilience and enduring relevance of soul music, both in America and abroad.
The Legacy of Rufus Wonder: Soul Music’s Unseen Architect
Rufus Wonder’s journey illuminates the trials and triumphs of a soul artist navigating an industry fraught with complexities. While he never achieved mainstream superstardom, Wonder’s story encapsulates the grassroots spirit of soul music—an art form forged in community, personal passion, and perseverance. His music, from Under the Moon to his later projects, reflects a life shaped by both the exuberance of performance and the struggles of an independent artist.
In his work, Wonder bridges communities, eras, and even continents, showing how a single song can transcend boundaries and generations. His reflections with Bob Abrahamian offer more than just nostalgia—they remind us of the beauty and authenticity embedded in soul music and the importance of preserving these stories. Today, Under the Moon remains a Northern Soul favorite, a testament to Rufus Wonder’s artistry and to a genre that, while born in America, has inspired a worldwide legacy.
Bob Abrahamian 00:00
Okay, you're tuned to WHPK 88.5 FM in Chicago. You are now listening to the Sitting in the Park Show. Today is a special show, because I'll be starting off with an interview with a singer named Rufus Wonder, who has had an interesting career that spanned different cities, including the South Side of Chicago. So you should definitely keep listening to hear Rufus's story and the excellent record that he released. So first of all, can you hear me, Rufus?
Rufus Wonder 00:48
Yes, I can.
Bob Abrahamian 00:50
Okay, great. So thanks so much for being on the phone and telling your story. I was wondering if you could start by telling us where you're originally from.
Rufus Wonder 01:00
I was born in Bogalusa, Louisiana. My parents and grand-uncle raised me. They moved to California when I was 12 years old; we moved to Oakland, then to Fresno. I graduated from Roosevelt High School in Fresno, California. After high school, I went into the military, and I had been involved in the high school choir and creative groups. When I went into the Navy, I formed a singing group called the Blenders. Members included Willie Davis, Vernon Mallet, Aaron Fusille, and me.
Bob Abrahamian 01:32
Where were you stationed?
Rufus Wonder 01:34
I was stationed in San Diego initially, then I was on an aircraft carrier. We traveled to Japan, Hawaii, and the South Pacific, among other places. When I got out of the military, I was stationed at North Island in San Diego in the aviation branch as an aviation electronic technician.
Bob Abrahamian 02:01
And did the Blenders stay together through your overseas trips?
Rufus Wonder 02:07
Yes, we performed until we went to Seattle for drydock, where I was transferred to San Diego, to North Island. I could have chosen Newport, Virginia, but my family was in Los Angeles then. After leaving the Navy, I spent time in San Francisco, then moved to Chicago before heading to Detroit.
Bob Abrahamian 02:49
Before we get to that, I'm curious about your time with the Blenders. Did you ever record anything with that group?
Rufus Wonder 02:57
No, we didn’t record. It was more of a special services group in the military.
Bob Abrahamian 03:01
Was that the first vocal group you sang with?
Rufus Wonder 03:08
Yes, it was my first vocal group. We even had a little TV show within the Navy’s broadcasting network in the South Pacific—a 15-minute show that was broadcast to other ships and nearby islands.
Bob Abrahamian 03:22
That’s impressive! So you performed on a TV show that other GIs could watch. Do you remember what year that was and what songs you performed?
Rufus Wonder 03:44
Yes, it was during the late '50s and early '60s. We did songs like “Rockin’ Robin” and some Coasters tunes, along with other popular fast-tempo songs of that era.
Bob Abrahamian 04:05
And you said you left the Navy in 1962?
Rufus Wonder 04:09
Yes, I got out in '62.
Bob Abrahamian 04:14
What city did you go to when you initially left the Navy?
Rufus Wonder 04:25
I was in San Diego at first. The Blenders had already split up by then since we were all reassigned to different locations.
Bob Abrahamian 04:30
Did you try to continue your music career in San Diego?
Rufus Wonder 04:36
Yes, I performed in clubs around San Diego as an individual artist, under my own name, Rufus Wonder. Sometimes I used my military name, Rufus Breckenridge. But eventually, I settled on Rufus Wonder after seeing a store in Shreveport, Louisiana called Wonderland. At first, I thought about calling myself “Rufus Wonderland,” but decided on “Wonder” instead.
Bob Abrahamian 05:57
What happened after that? Did you continue performing?
Rufus Wonder 06:23
Yes, I performed with a few different groups. I sang with a group called the Riffs in Los Angeles for a while. We even won some trophies, and one of our members was the drummer for Earl Grant. After that group disbanded, I moved to San Francisco and occasionally performed with a group called the Invincibles. I wasn’t an official member, just sat in with them for a few shows.
Bob Abrahamian 06:49
The Invincibles, as in the group that recorded "Heart Full of Love"?
Rufus Wonder 06:53
I believe so. Yes, but like I said, I only performed with them a couple of times.
Bob Abrahamian 07:06
And what led you to Chicago?
Rufus Wonder 07:08
I always wanted to go to Chicago. I had planned to go after leaving the Navy, but a mix-up at a Greyhound bus station in Palm Springs kept me from reaching Chicago. I eventually made it there later on and joined a theater group.
Bob Abrahamian 07:57
What year did you finally get to Chicago?
Rufus Wonder 07:59
That was in '62.
Bob Abrahamian 08:05
Can you tell me more about the theater group? What was it called, and what kind of performances did you do?
Rufus Wonder 08:13
It was called the Little Theater Group, based at the 37th Street Wabash YMCA in Chicago. We’d have weekly meetings, with shows and events once a month. We’d also do cabarets and parties. Artists like the Du-Kays performed there, and I got to meet them and other local artists.
Bob Abrahamian 10:14
So, Gene Chandler was with the Du-Kays at that time, right?
Rufus Wonder 10:18
Yes, though back then I knew him as Eugene Dixon. I didn't realize he was Gene Chandler until much later, in the '90s. I had seen him perform and knew him personally, but I never connected him to "Duke of Earl" until I saw a TV segment on Soul Beat in Oakland, where they mentioned Eugene Dixon and Gene Chandler as the same person. I called in and said, "I didn’t know Eugene Dixon was Gene Chandler!" That’s when it all clicked for me.
Bob Abrahamian 11:23
So when you were in Chicago, were you living on the South Side?
Rufus Wonder 11:28
Yes, when I first arrived, I was actually delivering a message from a friend of mine to his family. I went to their house on South Prairie and remember being surprised—everyone was sitting outside on the steps. It was about 97 degrees, and the whole neighborhood was out on the stoops, kids playing hopscotch and jump rope. I introduced myself to the family, and after getting acquainted, they invited me to stay with them. They treated me like family, and soon enough, I was singing at their gatherings and local parties.
Bob Abrahamian 13:58
What did you do for work while you were in Chicago?
Rufus Wonder 14:01
I ended up working at a place called Wise and Deacon Staff on North California Avenue. Meanwhile, I also continued performing with the theater group. I met a lot of people there, including Dale Warren, who helped us expand our performances to places like Milwaukee.
Bob Abrahamian 14:28
Isn't Dale Warren from Detroit?
Rufus Wonder 14:30
I’m not sure where he was originally from, but I first met him in Detroit. He was involved with some of my music ventures there, like Under the Moon, alongside Herman Davis, my personal manager at the time. Dale brought us to Milwaukee, where Harvey Scales and The Seven Sounds backed us up.
Bob Abrahamian 15:10
So the entire theater group went to Milwaukee?
Rufus Wonder 15:14
Yes, a good portion of us did. Many of the main artists went, like Moline Fulton and some others. Harvey Scales was there, too, performing his song "Black Pepper Makes You Sneeze." It was quite an experience.
Bob Abrahamian 16:01
After Milwaukee, did you go back to Los Angeles or stay in the Midwest?
Rufus Wonder 16:12
From Milwaukee, I went to Detroit, where things really started happening for me musically. I had the option to go to New York but chose Detroit instead, as there were many independent labels there at the time.
Bob Abrahamian 17:43
So you went to Detroit around 1963?
Rufus Wonder 17:47
Yes, I arrived in Detroit in December 1963, just in time for Christmas.
Bob Abrahamian 17:51
So you were only in Chicago for about a year or two?
Rufus Wonder 17:54
Yes, a little over a year.
Bob Abrahamian 18:03
What did you do when you first got to Detroit?
Rufus Wonder 18:08
I met some people at the Greyhound station, and they introduced me to Detroit. I started working for Budd Automotive and began performing at local clubs. That’s when I met my manager, Herman Davis, who introduced me to Clifton Dixon, one of the owners of Lando Records. I signed with them soon after.
Bob Abrahamian 19:59
When did you sign with Lando Records?
Rufus Wonder 20:03
That was in 1964. I started recording in 1965, and they released my record "Under the Moon" in 1966.
Bob Abrahamian 20:18
Let’s play Under the Moon, and then we can talk more about it. This is Rufus Wonder and the Additions with "Under the Moon".
[music playing]
Bob Abrahamian 23:00
That was Rufus Wonder and the Additions with "Under the Moon", the first record he released, on Lando Records in 1966. So, who were the Additions?
Rufus Wonder 23:55
The Additions were a vocal group who were often around the studio. They weren’t signed yet, and I convinced Sugar Child Robinson to let them back me up. The members were Horace Parker, Lionel Brown, Carl Johnson, and Kenneth Wright. They were mostly younger than me and hadn’t done much recording before.
Bob Abrahamian 25:25
So, they just sang backup for your record, but you weren’t an official member of the group?
Rufus Wonder 25:29
Correct. We did perform together sometimes, though. They backed me up as Rufus Wonder and the Additions, and we even did background vocals for Carl Carlton on one of his records.
Bob Abrahamian 26:17
Oh, really? So you sang backup on Carl Carlton's "I Love Only You"?
Rufus Wonder 26:28
Yes, we did backup vocals for that track. It was written by Ophelia George and Ed Henry.
Bob Abrahamian 26:35
Carl Carlton was really young back then, wasn’t he?
Rufus Wonder 26:38
Yes, he was about 12 years old at the time. We went on shows together around the Midwest, doing performances as the Lando Review, alongside the Temptations and other acts.
Bob Abrahamian 27:06
What year was that?
Rufus Wonder 27:09
That was around 1967. We performed at local Detroit venues and toured nearby cities, and I got booked through Rogers Theatrical Enterprise, which booked a lot of Motown acts back then.
Bob Abrahamian 27:58
Were you doing music full-time at this point?
Rufus Wonder 28:03
Pretty much. I worked clubs in Detroit and also did some part-time jobs with the Board of Education and Chrysler, but my weekends were dedicated to performing.
Bob Abrahamian 28:59
Before you left Detroit, there’s a story behind "Under the Moon". Did you write that song?
Rufus Wonder 29:04
Yes, I wrote it. Under the Moon was based on an experience I had in Chicago, in Washington Park. I was inspired by a memory of a woman I saw there. When Lando asked if I had any songs I’d written, I was hesitant to share it at first. But when I did, they loved it, and we recorded it at Golden World Studios.
Bob Abrahamian 31:15
You mentioned that you signed with Lando in '64, recorded in '65, and they released it in '66. Why did it take that long to release the record?
Rufus Wonder 31:24
A few factors. When we first went to record, I made the mistake of staying up all night celebrating. By the time I got to the studio, I was exhausted, so we couldn’t finish recording that day. We ended up completing it later at Golden World Studios. I learned my lesson about getting enough rest before recording.
Bob Abrahamian 32:08
Who was in the studio with you during those sessions?
Rufus Wonder 32:13
Bobby "Blue" Bland and Jackie Wilson's daughter were there, along with other Detroit musicians. Some members of the Capitols, who did "Cool Jerk", were there too. It was a memorable session.
Bob Abrahamian 32:42
So, you had a lot of songs already written when you signed with Lando. When did you start writing music?
Rufus Wonder 32:50
I had been writing since I was young, though I didn’t think much of it back then. I even recorded a song before Under the Moon, but it never got released. I did a blues track with Northwest Music in Chicago, though I lost my only copy of it in Washington Park.
Bob Abrahamian 33:40
Was that record supposed to be pressed and released?
Rufus Wonder 33:43
It was just a demo. I don’t know if it ever got pressed. The recording company eventually went out of business.
Bob Abrahamian 34:17
Did Under the Moon get a lot of radio play in Detroit?
Rufus Wonder 34:20
Yes, it got played in Detroit and even on Canadian stations like CKLW. It was played on WJLB and WGPR as well. Sugar Child Robinson, who worked at WGPR, helped push the record and promoted it under his publishing name, AutoCap.
Bob Abrahamian 34:46
What about the B-side, "So Upset"? Did that get much play?
Rufus Wonder 34:51
At first, they played So Upset as the A-side, but eventually, Under the Moon took over. I’d hear it on the radio, even while walking down the street. People would be playing it in their apartments. It was great to see it gaining traction.
Bob Abrahamian 35:52
Let’s play "So Upset", then we can talk some more. This is "So Upset" by Rufus Wonder and the Additions, recorded in Detroit.
[music playing]
Bob Abrahamian 37:09
That was "So Upset" by Rufus Wonder and the Additions. Did you write that song around the same time as "Under the Moon"?
Rufus Wonder 37:33
Yes, I wrote both songs the same day. "So Upset" was based on experiences I had with relationships. It’s about the disappointment you feel when someone you care about suddenly moves on with someone else. I pieced it together from different interactions I’d had.
Bob Abrahamian 38:14
Did you only record those two songs with Lando Records?
Rufus Wonder 38:19
Yes, just those two.
Bob Abrahamian 38:22
Why didn’t you record any follow-ups?
Rufus Wonder 38:26
I left Detroit after a few years, and I didn’t tell Lando where I was going. They didn’t have a way to reach me. Looking back, it was a misunderstanding on my part. I didn’t fully understand the business and assumed recording would immediately bring a lot of money, which wasn’t the case. RCA even offered to buy my contract, but Lando turned them down, thinking they weren’t offering enough.
Bob Abrahamian 41:05
Did "Under the Moon" get played in California after you moved there?
Rufus Wonder 41:08
Yes, it was played in California and even still gets some airplay. At the time, people didn’t believe me when I told them I recorded it. I didn’t talk about it much until later.
Bob Abrahamian 42:00
You mentioned that the first copies of "Under the Moon" had some printing errors. What happened there?
Rufus Wonder 42:13
The first pressing was a bit off-center on the vinyl, and it actually became a collector’s item. I had one of those off-center copies on my wall, and one day I noticed it was gone—with a $10 bill left in its place! The same thing happened in Los Angeles years later, but this time, someone left a $20 bill.
Bob Abrahamian 42:57
So, what eventually made you leave Detroit and go back to California?
Rufus Wonder 43:05
I felt stuck, not fully understanding the industry and thinking my record should be bringing in more success. After leaving Detroit, I went to California, but I didn’t tell people about my music background. I even got into printing and photography for a while.
Bob Abrahamian 46:27
So, what kind of work were you doing in California?
Rufus Wonder 46:39
I took some college courses in graphics and printing and started my own business called Utmost Productions. I worked with a few clubs as a photographer, then eventually got into the video production side, filming for events like the LA Street Scene and the Hollywood Christmas Parade with McCullough Enterprises.
Bob Abrahamian 49:38
So, you and McCullough Enterprises filmed all of those events in LA?
Rufus Wonder 49:44
Yes, we worked together. McCullough had a company called Video Unlimited Productions, and I provided graphic design and printing for his magazine, LA TV Journal. We filmed weddings, Hollywood events, and festivals like the Black Expo at MacArthur Park, the LA Street Scene with Mayor Tom Bradley, and performances at places like the Hollywood Palladium and the Hollywood Bowl.
Bob Abrahamian 54:17
Do you still have any footage of those events, with some of the acts performing?
Rufus Wonder 54:20
Unfortunately, I don’t have much of the footage myself. I let someone borrow a tape, and it never came back. But Ray McCullough, who I spoke with recently, likely still has copies. He’s now a minister, but I’m sure he still has some of those recordings.
Bob Abrahamian 55:18
If there’s any footage of rare or lesser-known acts, it would be really interesting to see.
Rufus Wonder 55:30
Definitely. Those tapes captured a lot of talent. After working in production, I took a bit of a break from music until the '90s.
Bob Abrahamian 55:40
So, it was the '90s when you got back into music?
Rufus Wonder 55:45
Not fully. I participated in a talent show in 1992 at Jack London Square in Oakland and won. I performed under the name Breckenridge instead of Rufus Wonder to avoid being recognized as a former recording artist. I sang the Temptations’ “Get Ready.” KBIA Radio, the station hosting the event, awarded me the win, and that included tickets to see the Temptations at the Hoberg Resort.
Bob Abrahamian 57:59
What did you do between 1970 and the early '90s? Were you working in the graphics business?
Rufus Wonder 58:04
Yes, I went to college for graphic design and printing. I studied at Laney College in Oakland and LA City College, then graduated from LA Trade Tech’s graphics program. I eventually opened my own printing business, Utmost Productions, and worked in the industry for years. I also did some freelance work, like business cards and posters for local clubs and organizations.
Bob Abrahamian 1:02:37
So, you finally got back into the music scene in the early 2000s?
Rufus Wonder 1:02:40
Yes. In 2003, I really got back into it. I had met Tommy Tucker’s son, Richard, who encouraged me to Google my name. When I did, I found my record Under the Moon was a Northern Soul classic and featured on various compilations. David Flynn from the UK contacted me for an interview, and he introduced me to the Northern Soul scene, which was big in England.
Bob Abrahamian 1:03:59
Did you reconnect with any other artists through Northern Soul?
Rufus Wonder 1:04:03
Yes. Kevin Roberts invited me to the 2004 Soul Trip USA event in Los Angeles. There, I got to meet other Northern Soul artists and fans, including Kim Weston, who I hadn’t seen since Detroit. It was like a reunion.
Bob Abrahamian 1:05:19
Did you perform at Soul Trip USA?
Rufus Wonder 1:05:22
No, it was more of a meet-and-greet. I brought copies of "Under the Moon", including original and reissued copies, which sold for up to $250 each. I was shocked by how much people were willing to pay for them.
Bob Abrahamian 1:06:45
So, if people want to buy your music, can they find it online?
Rufus Wonder 1:06:50
Yes, they can find my music on CD Baby under Rufus Wonder. My recent album, Stitched to Your Hip, is available there, as well as my MySpace page and other sites. Stitched to Your Hip includes new songs, a remix of "Under the Moon", and collaborations with rappers like De La Brie and Keldamuzik.
Bob Abrahamian 1:07:25
Thank you so much for being on the show and sharing your story. You’ve had a fascinating career across so many cities and met so many great entertainers.
Rufus Wonder 1:07:39
Thank you, Bob, and thanks to everyone in Chicago and beyond for tuning in. I hope you all enjoy my music.
Bob Abrahamian 1:08:22
Stay on the line, and I’ll talk to you in just a moment. That was Rufus Wonder, sharing his journey in the music world. Up next, here’s Gene Chandler with "Nothing Can Stop Me".
