C+C Music Factory

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to CC music Factory?

C+C Music Factory, the acclaimed R&B and dance group, rose to global fame in the early 1990s with chart-topping hits like "Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)." However, after their initial success, the group faced a series of challenges. Co-founder David Cole tragically passed away in 1995 due to complications from AIDS, deeply impacting the group's direction. Robert Clivillés, the other founding member, attempted to continue producing music under the C+C Music Factory name, but the group never regained its previous level of commercial success. Lineup changes and legal disputes, particularly regarding the use of uncredited vocals, further complicated their legacy. Despite this, C+C Music Factory's music remains iconic in the dance and R&B genres, and their influence is still felt today through samples and remixes. Occasionally, Clivillés revives the C+C Music Factory name for live performances and special projects, ensuring the group's legacy endures.

Who was in CC music Factory?

C+C Music Factory was primarily formed by producers Robert Clivillés and David Cole, who were the creative force behind the group's signature sound. The duo collaborated with a variety of talented vocalists and performers to bring their energetic R&B and dance tracks to life. Notable members and collaborators included Freedom Williams, who provided the distinctive rap vocals on hits like "Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)," and Zelma Davis, who was often featured in the group's music videos and live performances. Martha Wash, a powerhouse vocalist, contributed uncredited lead vocals to several tracks, most famously on "Gonna Make You Sweat." Other performers and session musicians joined for live tours and later albums, but the central vision always revolved around Clivillés and Cole. Their collaborative approach allowed for a fresh, dynamic sound that defined the early "

What does C&C music Factory stand for?

The name "C+C Music Factory" stands for "Clivillés and Cole Music Factory," directly referencing the group's founders, Robert Clivillés and David Cole. As renowned producers and songwriters, Clivillés and Cole sought to create a brand that embodied their collaborative approach to music production. The "Music Factory" component of the name reflects their studio-based, assembly-line method of crafting hit dance and R&B tracks, often involving numerous vocalists, musicians, and session artists. This production-driven identity allowed them to churn out energetic, club-friendly songs that dominated the charts in the early 1990s. The unique branding helped set C+C Music Factory apart from other acts of the era, emphasizing both the duo's creative partnership and their innovative approach to making music that would get people dancing. The name remains synonymous with high-energy dance anthems and is instantly recognizable to fans of classic R&B and club music.

Did C&C music Factory lip sync?

Yes, C+C Music Factory was involved in a notable lip syncing controversy, particularly regarding their hit song "Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)." In the song's music video and live performances, Zelma Davis was shown singing the powerful lead vocals. However, the actual vocals were performed by Martha Wash, a respected session singer known for her dynamic voice. Wash was not credited initially and did not appear in the video, leading to public confusion and subsequent legal action. The controversy highlighted the issue of uncredited vocals and the use of lip syncing in the music industry. Martha Wash later sued for proper credit and compensation, resulting in a settlement and greater awareness of her contributions. While the group's producers and performers faced criticism, the incident did not significantly tarnish the popularity of C+C Music Factory's music, and it sparked important conversations about transparency and recognition in the recording industry.

Who was the real singer for CC Music Factory?

The real singer for many of C+C Music Factory's biggest hits, including "Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)," was Martha Wash. A powerhouse vocalist, Wash was already renowned for her work with The Weather Girls and Black Box before her uncredited contributions to C+C Music Factory. Her dynamic and soulful voice powered the chorus of their signature track, even though she was not initially featured in the music video or credited for her vocals. This omission led to a high-profile lawsuit, after which Wash received proper acknowledgment and compensation for her work. While Zelma Davis appeared as the face of the group in music videos and live performances, it was Martha Wash's unmistakable vocals that made the songs memorable. The incident brought attention to the importance of crediting vocalists and has since become a significant part of C+C Music Factory's legacy in the R&B and dance music world.