Jeanette Jurado & Expos: The Rise Of A Girl Group Icon
Can a girl group from the mid-80s still hold a sway over pop culture today? The enduring legacy of Expos, fronted by the powerhouse vocals of Jeanette Jurado, Gioia Bruno, and Ann Curless, alongside Kelly Moneymaker in later years, proves that a timeless sound and a connection with the audience can defy the constraints of time.
Expos, the American freestyle vocal group that burst onto the scene in 1984 in Miami, Florida, not only carved a niche for themselves in music history but also secured a place in the hearts of fans worldwide. Their success, particularly between 1984 and 1993, was primarily fueled by the combined talents of lead vocalists Jeanette Jurado, Ann Curless, and Gioia Bruno. They weren't just a group; they were a phenomenon, a symbol of a generation, and a testament to the power of music.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jeanette Livier Jurado |
| Born | November 14, 1965, East Los Angeles, California |
| Known For | Lead vocalist of the group Expos |
| Associated Acts | Expos, Lambada (Las Vegas performance), Solo artist |
| Key Contributions | Lead vocals on several Expos hits, including "Come Go with Me". Cover of "Angel Baby" featured in the film "My Family" |
| Solo Album | Expose This |
| Active Years | 1980s-Present |
| Associated Names | Ann Curless, Gioia Bruno, Kelly Moneymaker |
| Reference Website | AllMusic - Expos Biography |
The story of Expos began in the vibrant city of Miami, but the roots of its evolution intertwined with California. Before the group's formation, a "la native" Jeanette Jurado was already making her mark, singing for an R&B cover act that opened for the original Expos in California. This early experience laid the foundation for her later role as a pivotal member of the group. When Martine, a key figure in the group's formation, sought a new lead singer, Jurado was brought into the fold, marking the beginning of a significant chapter in her career.
The initial lineup underwent a transformation in 1986. Casaas (Tola) departed to pursue a solo career, and Lorenzo decided to explore other avenues. Their replacements were Jeanette Jurado and Gioia Carmen Bruno, who was born in Bari, Italy, but raised in New Jersey. With Ann Curless already on board, this new combination of Jurado, Bruno, and Curless would become synonymous with the group's sound. It's worth noting that Jeanette Jurado was born in Pico Rivera, California, further solidifying the West Coast connection to the group's story.
By the time their debut album, "Exposure," was released in 1987 on Arista Records, the lineup was solidified. The album was led by the infectious pop/dance hit "Come Go with Me," which soared to number 5 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. The group went on to achieve groundbreaking success, becoming the first group in history to have four top ten hits on their debut album, surpassing records held by legends like The Beatles and The Supremes. The original lineup was also present on this debut album providing the backing vocals.
Jurado's vocal prowess was a driving force behind many of the group's successes. On the track, "Come Go With Me," Jeanette Jurado sang lead vocals, harmonizing with Gioia Bruno and Ann Curless. Later, her interpretation of "Angel Baby" demonstrated her versatility as a solo artist. This cover, featured in the 1995 feature film "My Family," further cemented her place in pop culture. Her rendition resonated with audiences, and over time, has inspired many other artists to cover it.
From 1985 to 1995, the combined talents of Jurado, Bruno, and Curless ruled the Top 40, R&B, and Adult Contemporary charts in the United States and throughout the world. Their collective presence marked the era, creating a musical landscape that would forever be associated with the group's name, Expos.
The release of the album "Exposure" marked the beginning of an impressive era for the group. It featured the song "Come Go With Me" as the first single, which achieved great success. The video exposure of this song was a prominent showcase of Jeanette Jurado, Ann Curless, and Gioia Bruno. The album's success paved the way for the group's continued growth and acclaim in the music industry. The success of their music included reaching the number one spot on the dance charts for their second hit. As the years progressed, the group's style, sound, and appeal evolved, which was reflected in their subsequent releases.
For Expos, the journey has always been about more than just musical performance; the group aimed to bring people back to those simpler times. As Ann Curless herself stated, "Our job is to bring people back to a time in life that was just easier." This understanding of their audience's emotional needs has been pivotal in keeping them relevant throughout the years. Their concerts aren't merely nostalgia; they are a shared experience, a warm embrace of the past, and a testament to the enduring power of music.
The members of Expos have, on occasion, reunited to perform together. In the summer of 2003, the lineup featuring Curless, Jurado, and Moneymaker reunited for a concert at the Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles, California. These reunions are a testament to the unique bond between the artists and their shared commitment to the group's legacy.
The musical journey of Expos can be seen as a testament to how a unique blend of talent, determination, and connection with audiences can create a long-lasting musical influence. Their songs are still being played today, and their performances remain popular. The legacy of Expos is not merely in their record sales or chart positions; it is in the memories they helped create, and in the happiness their music continues to spread.
Jeanette Jurado, with Gioia Bruno, and Ann Curless, along with later addition Kelly Moneymaker, are still actively touring today.
Jeanette Jurado was born in Pico Rivera, California, USA, on November 14, 1965, further solidifying the West Coast connection to the group's story.
After years of touring as a solo artist, she finally released an album on Koch Records called expose this.
Once Expos disbanded she performed in Las Vegas as part of a group called lambada.
Expos is an American freestyle vocal group formed in 1984 in miami, florida. Primarily consisting of lead vocalists jeanette jurado, ann curless, and gioia bruno, the group achieved much of their success between 1984 and 1993.
The song "Come Go with Me," was the first single released from exposes debut album entitled exposure.
