Solar Records Radio Guest Patryce“Choc’Let”Banks of Graham Central Station

Solar Records Radio Guest Patryce “Choc’Let” Banks of Graham Central Station Host Wardell Potts Jr 

 ~ Patryce “Choc’Let” Banks Introducing Patryce “Choc’Let” Banks, co-founder of the celebrated Grammy nominated group, Graham Central Station. In the 70s, she was involved in the birth of the American music phenomenon of “Funk” music.
 

She shared the spotlight as lead singer alongside Larry Graham. (Fans and music industry insiders alike have credited Graham as an innovator, most notably for inventing the percussive "slap bass technique.") Patryce played percussion using one of the first drum machines to be utilized on recordings, the Rhythm King, which she and Larry dubbed the “Fonk Box”.  Graham and Choc’let were a couple for years and he was also her mentor. Choc’Let was nothing less than a successful, beautiful black woman, who inspired and motivated little girls who looked up to her, hoping to also one day be a “star”.

In discussing the genesis of GCS, Choc’Let voices, “Originally Larry produced my band, Hot Chocolate. I was the featured lead vocalist. During this time, he was still with Sly. However, Larry ended up leaving Sly and the Family Stone, and joined Hot Chocolate. With his addition to the group, he brought a transformation. The name was changed from Hot Chocolate to Graham Central Station. The rest is history”.