by Andy KellmanD Train, an innovative duo that consisted of James D-Train Williams (vocals) and Hubert Eaves III (keyboards, bass, drums, arrangements, productions), recorded a clutch of electrified dance/R&B classics in the early 80s. From the release of their first single onward, Williams voice was instantly recognizable for its power-packed, uplifting nature. Eaves instrumental backing and production were extremely complementary to Williams deliveries, punching out bold, intricate arrangements that were often livened up for the dancefloor by remixer extraordinaire Francois Kevorkian.Williams and Eaves met while attending high school in Brooklyn, NY. Shortly after the 70s gave way to the 80s, they began recording together, using Williams nickname — earned from his prowess on the football field — as their recording alias. They signed a contract with Prelude and released their first single, the brilliant Youre the One for Me, by the end of 1981. The song hit number one on the dance chart in early 1982 and kept that position for three weeks. Their somewhat spotty debut album followed later that year and included another spectacular track, the spirited Keep On.Music, D Trains second album, followed in 1983 and was supported with another batch of singles: Keep Giving Me Love, Are You Ready for Me, and Top 40 U.K. hit Music amongst them. Somethings on Your Mind, the third and final album from the duo, spawned a Top Five R&B chart hit in the form of the title track. A couple of other singles from the album didnt do as well, but the group bowed out in fine fashion. They couldve milked the sound of Youre the One for Me for a long time, but they kept moving ahead and did the unexpected by incorporating elements inspired from other music forms. A list of covers they recorded — Carole Kings So Far Away, Bacharach/Davids Walk on By, Mandel/Websters The Shadow of Your Smile — hardly indicate the scope. Williams and Eaves quit recording as D Train in 1985. Eaves accomplishments did not go unnoticed; he began a busy second life as a valued session hand, working on records by Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, and Luther Vandross. Williams continued as a solo artist and notched three R&B chart hits during the latter half of the 80s. He also leant background vocals to several records throughout the following decade.