4th Down was formed in Ft. Lauderdale in 2001 when Dontae Richardson’s high school music teacher encouraged him to form a singing group with some classmates. Dontae was a Tenor One, so he asked friend, Terry Bennett, to sing Tenor Two. Terry then asked a Baritone, Olivier Jean- Joseph to join, who in turn asked Clyde Norman to sing Bass Soprano. Initially, the boys had no intention of forming a group, but they were amazed by the reaction of the audience. It was remarkable how such different musical pitches combined to make a such a powerful sound. With the encouragement of their friends and teacher, they agreed to work together and called themselves 4th Down. Each member of 4th Down brings something unique to the equation. Olivier Jean-Joseph is of Haitian origin and this comes through in his songwriting. In “Caribbean Mami” there are popular Haitian lyrics sprinkled throughout, such as “Sak Pase” which means “What’s Up.” Terry was raised in the Jamaican culture, and some of his beats use steel drums that suggest a reggae influence. Clyde was involved in many performing arts projects growing up and brings a theatrical approach to the songwriting. As someone who grew up in difficult circumstances, Clyde approaches lyrics as a way to envision a life that he could only dream about as a child. Music also kept Dontae from getting into trouble growing up, and his soulful singing is inspired by the gospel influences he picked up in church as a youngster. It is hard to pinpoint the 4th Down musical style. The diversity of musical influences leads to a unique sonic quality, and the lyrics range from innocent to suggestive, but never offensive. Certain songs can be described as primarily R&B, while others are more akin to Hip Hop. Still others have the catchy sounds of classic Pop music. The song “After 5” is completely soulful R&B, with lyrics such as, “Girl, I need you to come on home; be with me.” The song “Take my Breath Away” is a Pop song with catchy phrases like “girl this is dedicated to you, you take my breath away.” In “Stop Playing,” they reference current music with the line “I know my name ain’t Usher, but I gotta say I got it bad.” The songs “See ID,” “Shorty Look Good,” and “Tell Your Friends,” are clearly Hip Hop, with dance beats and an urban feel with rap featured on some of the songs. On “Tell Your Friends,” the St. Louis rapper Potzee makes a special appearance. 4th Down can spontaneously jump into acapella versions of all of their songs, and in “Gone Away” and “See ID” there are interludes during which the members display this impressive ability by harmonizing without instrumentation. 4th Down recently settled in St. Louis, MO, where they just finished recording their self-titled first album. Achievements In the short time 4th Down has been together they have won every talent showcase they have entered, including The Piper ‘03, The Plantation Apollo ‘03, Boyd Anderson Apollo ‘03, Ely Apollo, ‘03, Nova Talent Show ‘04, and The 99 Jams Radio Apollo showcase ‘05 (all in Florida). More recent notable performances have included: Sang the National Anthem at Busch Stadium before a nationally televised Cardinals/Cubs game in July, ’05. Performed for the Today Show in St. Louis (Channel 5) -- July, ’05. Performed for the Morning Show in St. Louis (Channel 2) -- July, ‘05 Opened for the Groups 112 and Wycleaf Jean in ‘03 and Murphy Lee in August of ‘05. Freeman Bosley Radio Show (100.3 FM) -- August, ’05. 104.9 FM Radio interview and performance August, ’05. Performed for The Best of STL TV show August, ’05. Mike and Jeanne Show (UPN TV) -- August, ’05. Live performance at The Black Expo, St. Louis August, ’05. Showcase performance at Bar Italia, St. Louis -- August, ’05. Performance at Plush Night Club, St. Louis, MO September 29. Opened for Murphy Lee at the Pageant, St. Louis, MO October 30th. Concert for First Nite New Years Eve St. Louis, Mo - December 31st. Future Dates Opening up for Jagged Edge Feb 20th at the Savvis Center. Airplay 100.3FM The Beat 104.9 FM