The Manhattans

The Manhattans are an American R&B vocal group formed in Jersey City, New Jersey in 1962. The group is best known for their smooth soul and Philadelphia soul style. Their signature ballad “Kiss and Say Goodbye” (1976) reached number one on both the US Billboard Pop and R&B charts, becoming only the second single to achieve platinum certification after the RIAA introduced that level. The group’s other major hit, “Shining Star” (1980), peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy Award.

The Manhattans began recording in 1964 with their first single “For the Very First Time” on Carnival Records. They received the “Most Promising Group” award from NATRA in 1968 and achieved significant chart success beginning with “There’s No Me Without You” in 1973. Throughout the 1980s, the group continued recording and touring with albums including “Forever by Your Side” (1983) and “Too Hot to Stop It” (1985). They recorded “Manhattans Now” in 1994 and formed their own music corporation, Manhattan Entertainment Inc., in 1996.

Over their career, The Manhattans have recorded 45 hits on the Billboard R&B Chart, including twelve top-10 R&B singles, with sixteen songs reaching the Billboard Hot 100 and eight albums charting on the US R&B top 20. Three of their albums received RIAA gold certification. The group has maintained continuous performance schedules through multiple lineup changes, performing at theaters, casinos, and festivals across the United States. In September 2024, The Manhattans were inducted into The Atlantic City Walk of Fame.