There has been much speculation recently about whether the beloved 90s R&B group Guy will be reuniting and getting back together. Guy, consisting of lead singer Aaron Hall, and producers Timmy Gatling and Aaron “Pro” Hall, were one of the most successful R&B groups of the late 80s and early 90s. Some of their biggest hits include “Groove Me,” “I Like,” “Let’s Chill,” and “Do Me Right.” After Aaron Hall left the group for a solo career in the late 90s, Guy disbanded. Fans have hoped for a reunion ever since.
When did Guy originally form?
Guy was originally formed in 1987 in Harlem, New York by band members Aaron Hall, Timmy Gatling, and Aaron “Pro” Hall. The three young musicians met while singing in church choirs in Harlem.
What was Guy’s first album?
Guy released their debut studio album titled Guy in 1988 with MCA Records. The album was a hit on the US R&B charts, reaching #5 and included singles like “Groove Me”, “Teddy’s Jam”, and “I Like”.
Guy’s Main Members
Aaron Hall
Aaron Hall was the lead singer of Guy. He was born in 1964 in The Bronx, New York. In addition to his work with Guy, Aaron Hall has released several solo albums over the years including his debut solo album The Truth in 1993. He is considered one of the most influential R&B artists of his era.
Timmy Gatling
Timmy Gatling was the producer and songwriter of Guy. He was born in 1967 in Harlem, New York. Along with Pro, he crafted Guy’s iconic New Jack Swing sound by blending R&B with hip hop.
Aaron “Pro” Hall
Aaron “Pro” Hall is Timmy Gatling’s brother and was also a producer for Guy. He was born in 1966 in Harlem. In addition to his work with Guy, Pro has done production for other major R&B/hip-hop artists like Heavy D & The Boyz.
Guy’s Discography and Biggest Hits
Here is an overview of Guy’s discography and biggest hits from their heyday:
Album | Year | Biggest Hits |
---|---|---|
Guy | 1988 | – Groove Me – Teddy’s Jam – I Like |
The Future | 1990 | – Wanna Get With U – Let’s Chill – Do Me Right |
Guy III | 1992 | – D-O-G Me Out – Ain’t No Doubt About It – You Can Call Me Crazy |
Tribute | 1995 | – Talk To Me – Don’t Make Me Wait For Love |
Some of Guy’s most memorable and beloved hits include “Groove Me” which hit #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, “Let’s Chill” which earned them a Grammy nomination, and their silky cover of New Edition’s “If It Isn’t Love.”
The Breakup
In the late 1990s, after the release of their group album Tribute, lead singer Aaron Hall left Guy to go solo. He released his debut solo album The Truth in 1993 and achieved success with singles like “Don’t Be Afraid”.
With Hall leaving, producers Timmy Gatling and Pro tried to keep Guy going by finding a new lead singer, but the group just wasn’t the same. By the early 2000s, Guy had officially disbanded.
Why did Aaron Hall leave?
There are a few theories as to why Aaron Hall departed from Guy to go solo in the 90s. Hall has said he wanted to move on from Guy’s sound and try new things creatively. There were also reportedly tensions between the members and financial disputes over royalties. Hall may have simply outgrown being in a boy band and wanted independence.
Did Guy retire after Aaron left?
Yes, essentially Guy did break up and retire after Aaron Hall’s amicable departure to pursue solo stardom in the 90s. Pro and Gatling tried to keep Guy going with new members but it just wasn’t the same magic. Guy performed their last shows as a group in the late 90s before the members moved on to new projects.
Possibility of a Reunion?
This brings us to the current question – with Guy now disbanded for over 20+ years, is it possible they will reunite and get the band back together?
Have the members kept in touch?
Both Aaron Hall and Pro have said over the years that they remained on good terms following the group’s breakup. Hall left on good terms to go solo. And the members have periodically collaborated on projects – giving hope they would be open to reuniting.
Have the members mentioned a reunion?
In various interviews in recent years, Aaron Hall has expressed he would “love for it to happen” when asked about a possible Guy reunion. Pro has also mentioned being open to a reunion “if the business side was handled properly.” So there seems to be a willingness from the members.
Would fans want a reunion?
Guy’s legions of loyal fans have continued playing their music for over 25 years. Throughout the 2000s until now, fans frequently post online asking about the possibility of a Guy reunion tour or new album. A reunion would undoubtedly receive great fanfare and enthusiasm.
Member | Open to Reunion? |
---|---|
Aaron Hall | Yes |
Timmy Gatling | Unknown |
Pro | Yes, if business terms met |
Have there been any reunions so far?
Guy did briefly reunite back in 2005 for an appearance at the Funk Fest concert in Mobile, Alabama. All three members – Hall, Gatling, and Pro – performed several of their hits live in concert for fans. This brief reunion gave fans hope that more could be on the horizon.
Conclusion
In summary, while a full blown Guy reunion tour or new album has yet to materialize, the chances seem fairly strong that it could happen in the future. Key members like Aaron Hall and Pro have expressed interest if the business terms are right. Guy’s R&B sound is also quite relevant again in today’s musical landscape, making the timing ideal. Nostalgic fans would undoubtedly love to hear classics like “Groove Me,” “Let’s Chill,” and “I Like” performed by the original trio. We will have to wait and see if the New Jack Swing pioneers of Guy reform to create magic again.