R&B, funk, and dance music band from South Baltimore consisting of ex-Optimistics/Inclinations members Robert Mercer (drums), Stanley Frank (guitar), and Michael Dunston (bass), using their surname initials to name the group. Original vocalist was Darnell Carter. After about six months he was joined by female vocalist Beretta Donaldson. Carter later left and was replaced with Bobby Bennett (ex-Mandells). Rounding out the lineup were Willie Whitley (sax, vocals), Bo Green (keyboards), and later joining the group were Jimmy McCoy (timbales, percussion ex-Vandals), and Robert ‘Wah Wah’ Legrand (guitar ex-Madhouse, Arterials, Spindles) who went on to play for Teddy Pendergrass….
MFD & Company performed locally at Hollywood Palace, the Bird Cage, Brice’s Hilltop Lounge, and other clubs. On the road they traveled throughout Virginia and the Carolina’s.
Frank left to form Ten Karat Gold in 1980.
Gary Hudgins (keyboards ex-The Grand Jury, Brides of Funkenstein) came aboard as band leader and musical director. Keeping the name MFD & Company, with original members Mercer, Dunston, and Donaldson, ‘Hudge’ added Tim Moore (guitar ex-The Grand Jury, P-Funk, Hands of Life), and Stephen Carter (sax). This group “had a great run” according to Hudge, playing locally and touring the country. They opened for George Clinton at Painter’s Mill. The group also won the Budweiser Showdown contest one year with an original song.
Tim Moore later led gospel recording group HeavenBound, which also included Gary Hudgins and other local musicians and vocalists. HeavenBound releases included the 1987 LP “Bright Crown” (Black Label 9631).
