THE HISTORY OF TODAY
THE STORY BEHIND THE MUSIC, TOLD AS IT HAPPENED.
TODAY • ORIGINAL MOTOWN PROMOTIONAL PHOTOGRAPH
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THE STORY OF TODAY, FROM THE BEGINNING TO THE PRESENT.
BEFORE TODAY
BEFORE THE NAME. BEFORE THE RECORDS. BEFORE THE LEGACY.
Before TODAY became a name recognized throughout the R&B world—and before the group signed with Motown Records in 1987—there was an earlier chapter that helped lay the foundation: a talented vocal group known as The Gents.
The Gents were founded by Larry McCain and Harold Tillary. Together, they began building a group around strong vocals, style, harmony, and the determination to make their mark. As their vision grew, they added Ronald Scruggs, Bernard Bell, and Lee Drakeford. Each member brought something different to the group, but Lee stood out not only for his natural singing ability, but also for his energy, stage presence, and hip-hop dance skills.
After high school, The Gents eventually went their separate ways. When the dust settled, Larry McCain and Lee Drakeford remained committed to continuing the dream. Rather than allowing the end of The Gents to become the end of the journey, they saw it as the beginning of something new—something that would eventually become TODAY.
LARRY MCCAIN AND LEE DRAKEFORD
THE KLIENTEL MC'S
At the same time, Wesley Adams and Larry Singletary were making noise in their hometown with a rap group called The Klientel MC’s. Their sound combined rap with R&B-style harmonies, creating a fresh blend that was ahead of its time. The group had a high-energy performance style similar in spirit to the Force MC’s, bringing hip-hop, vocals, choreography, and crowd excitement together on one stage.
Whenever The Klientel MC’s performed at local events or high-school functions, Lee Drakeford was often nearby. Three years younger than Wesley and Larry Singletary, Lee was a major fan of what they were doing. He was drawn to the way they mixed rap with smooth R&B harmonies. Lee loved performing so much that, whenever the opportunity came, he would try to get on stage and join the excitement.
That ambition was no surprise to anyone who knew him. Lee had a powerful voice, natural rhythm, and impressive hip-hop dance ability. He had the kind of talent that made people pay attention—not only because he could sing, but because he knew how to perform. He understood that a great group needed more than good voices; it needed personality, chemistry, movement, and a connection with the audience.
THE KLIENTEL MC’S • WESLEY ADAMS & LARRY SINGLETARY
THE FORMATION OF TODAY
FOUR INDIVIDUAL PATHS. ONE NEW SOUND.
With The Gents no longer active, Larry McCain and Lee Drakeford began looking for the right people to help create a new sound and a new future.
WESLEY ADAMS JOINS
Wesley Adams was recruited first, bringing his vocal ability, creative energy, and experience performing with Larry Singletary in The Klientel MC’s. His addition brought another piece of the group’s future into place. But Lee Drakeford believed there was still one important piece missing.
Lee encouraged Wesley Adams to recruit his best friend, Larry Singletary. Lee could already picture what might happen if the group combined strong R&B vocals with Larry Singletary's rapper-and-singer style. He believed that blend could create something special—an R&B group with a fresh edge, youthful energy, tight harmonies, dance, and a sound that reflected the changing music of the time.
ONE PIECE WAS STILL MISSING
LARRY SINGLETARY JOINS
Larry Singletary became the final member to join the lineup.
LARRY “LOVE” MCCAIN • WESLEY “WES” ADAMS • LEE “BIG BUB” DRAKEFORD • LARRY “CHIEF” SINGLETARY
TODAY WAS FORMED
With Larry McCain, Wesley Adams, Lee Drakeford, and Larry Singletary in place, the foundation was complete. The experiences, friendships, local performances, vocal talent, rap influences, dance skills, and determination of each member came together to form TODAY.
TODAY was not simply formed overnight. The group grew out of the earlier legacy of The Gents, the musical chemistry of The Klientel MC’s, and the shared belief that four young men with different strengths could create one unforgettable sound. What began in hometown performances, school events, friendships, and dreams would soon grow into a national opportunity.
THE NEXT CHAPTER
In 1987, TODAY signed with Motown Records—one of the most historic and influential record labels in music. That moment confirmed that the vision was real. Those different paths had brought four individual artists together, creating a new force in R&B: TODAY.
Four individual paths. One group. A new chapter had begun.