Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan.
Valerie began singing and playing piano at age 5.
She started performing professionally at the age of 14.
Pinkston has performed and/or recorded with many artists, some of which include,
Luther Vandross, Diana Ross, Beck, Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, Patti Labelle, Nelly, Alicia Keys, Michael McDonald, Kiss, BB King and many more.
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C.C. Thomas Jr, Clique bassist:
Born in Detroit, Michigan.
C.C. started playing bass in his early teens.
He has performed and/or recorded with Kenneth Babyface Edmonds, Diana Ross, Jeffrey Osborne, TLC, Jonathan Butler, Smokey Robinson and Ricky Lawson and Friends, just to name a very few.
Mr. Thomas has performed on television and was nominated for an Emmy award in 2003 for the soap opera Passions for outstanding original song.
Although he maintains a hectic schedule performing, he is also co-owner of Sound Vision Studios in Harbor City, CA.
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John Pagano, Clique Vocalist:
Born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island.
His debut, self-titled album contains eleven songs which include the single
The Best I Ever Was, written and produced by legendary Grammy® award-winning songwriter Barry Mann.
John has collaborated with renowned composer/producer George Duke, on the film score and soundtrack for the Steve Martin film Leap of Faith, and with George Howard, singing vocals on the saxophone players album Shower You With Love.
He has opened for Jerry Seinfeld multiple night performances at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and Atlantic City.
currently Mr. Pagano is a featured lead singer on the Burt Bacharach world tour.
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Michael Sechrest, Clique Vocalist/Guitarist:
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio Michael started playing guitar at the age of 14.
He has been Music Director and/or performed with various artists including Lakita Garth,
Jon Gibson, Israel Houghton, Eddie Money, Lee Greenwood and Wayne Newton.
Michael has also produced and composed music with Susan Kay Wyatt, Lakita Garth,
Coco Lee, Rich Rico Henderson, Teddy Redson Orii and many more.
Mr. Sechrest has been a staff songwriter for RTG Turbo Music and has had works published with television networks NBC, ABC, and CBS.
Also received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Original Song in 2003.
Michael is also a co-owner of Sound Vision Studios in Harbor City, CA.
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Kevin Chokan, Clique Guitarist:
Born and Raised in Sacramento, California
Kevin started playing guitar in the second grade.
He has done studio work and toured with major acts including Phillip Bailey,
Jeffrey Osborne, Diana Ross, Placido Damingo, Jose Carreras, George Howard,
Chaka Khan, George Duke, Michael White, Alex Acuna, Steve Alee, Bobby Brown,
Howard Hewitt, Stephanie Mills, Al Jarreu, Earth, Wind and Fire and Will Downing just to name a few.
Mr. Chokan is currently the Musical Director for Diana Ross.
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Billy Steinway, Clique Keyboardist:
The Clique is blessed with the talents of this great keyboard player.
Billy is a renowned artist in the jazz realm.
with over 20yrs of experience. Billy has written, recorded and/or appeared in concert with acts such as Natalie Cole, Stevie Wonder, Jeffery Osborne,
Down to the Bone, 98 Degrees, Ricky Martin, The Jazz Crusaders, Chaka Khan,
Patti Austin, The Dazz Band and The Busboys just to name a few.
Mr. Steinway has also frequently appeared on major television shows, world wide, with
Vonda Shepherd, Exposé, Stevie Wonder and Natalie Cole and the Jazz.
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Gerry Brown, Clique Drummer:
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Gerry Brown is most remembered as being the heartbeat of Steve Wonder for over 12yrs and is currently the pulse for Diana Ross.
His long list of accomplishments has landed him on stages and in recording studios with Stanley Clarke, George Benson, Marcus Miller, Lionel Ritchie, John Lee, Sonny Fortune,
Alfonso Johnson and Phillip Bailey.
Mr. Brown has also worked with the NDR Big Band, Brothers Johnson, Roberta Flack,
Joe Sample, Slide Hampton, Tom Harrell, Larry Coryell, Dave Samuels, Chuck Loeb and Chick Corea.
Gerry's insight as an educator and performer has established him as a sought after clinician for Yamaha Drums, Zildjian Cymbals & Drumsticks and Evans Drumheads.
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Fred White, Clique Vocalist:
Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Fred started playing the piano and singing at an early age. He has performed with such artists as, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Babyface, Diana Ross, Phil Collins, and George Michaels to name a few. His movie soundtrack credits include Shrek, Corrina Corrina, Lion King 1 1/2, RV and Jungle Fever. Television appearances include performances with Bonnie Raitt, LeAnne Rhymes, Rod Steward and many others on shows like Oprah, The Tonight Show and David Letterman. He has recorded with many artists such as Luther Vandross, Anita Baker, Pattie Labelle and Earth Wind and Fire. Fred has also received a Grammy nomination for the song Holy Is the Lamb recorded by Oleta Adams and has written songs for Smokey Robinson and Patti Labelle.
Hey guys! Check this out! I'm singing as a guest artist with the band Present Tense at The Biltmore Hotel! Come by and hang if you can, it's FREE! :) - Evonne
I've seen 5 of you on 20th May with Miss Diana Ross in a really great concert show. All of you did a fantastic job. Miss Ross knows for sure, why she had such great talented musicans like you in her band!
The next time when I see a Diana Ross Concert, than I would love to see "The Clique" as support act for Miss Diana Ross.
Check out my Diana Ross Tribute Website and let me please know, what do you think about this website.
Just passing by to say hi to Gerry and all of you....again.
I really hope i get the chance to hear you all and see you play live some day soon.
Big hugs!
P.
And how could I forget to say "I love you" has such wonderful words. Looking forward to hearing more songs from this very talented young man.
God bless
Kevin
Just stopping by to say hi.
I've known some of you since the good old days when Bobby Glenn and Sharon Wade the Roq-E used to sing for Diana Ross. And Miss Valerie Pinkston since her Chapter 8 days and that great song on the soundtrack of Trick.
I just wish you could put some of your music on your page so we can hear how you sound together. The only cd I have with Kevin's great guitar is G-Fire.
Anyway, I hope all is well and hurry up and do some shows in the uk. When Bobby was in the DR band, I used to bake cakes for him and one year we cooked together in holland he tought me his version of soul food. Oh the good old days.
Kevin
Gene
