Numbers is the seventh studio album by funk band Rufus, released on the ABC Records label in 1979. It was the band's first album without Chaka Khan on lead vocals. Instead, band members Tony Maiden and David "Hawk" Wolinski shared lead vocal duties, with additional female leads by Helen Lowe and Maxayne. The album reached #15 on Billboards R&B Albums chart, #81 on Pop and included the single release "Keep It Together (Declaration of Love)" (US R&B #16).

Khan returned to the band for the recording of the following album Masterjam, produced by Quincy Jones.

Numbers would be Rufus' final album on ABC Records. The label would be purchased and subsequently dissolved by MCA Records, and the band transferred to its roster.

Numbers also marked the debut of drummer John "J.R." Robinson to the lineup. He would remain Rufus's drummer for the rest of their run.

Track listing

Personnel Tony Maiden – guitar, lead vocals on "Ain't Nobody Like You", "Keep It Together (Declaration of Love)", "Bet My Dreams", "Pleasure Dome", and "Life in the City", background vocals, clavinet Kevin Murphy – keyboards Bobby Watson – bass, guitar, clavinet John Robinson – drums, percussion David "Hawk" Wolinski – keyboards, lead vocals on "You're to Blame", "Don't You Sit Alone" and "Are We?", background vocals, guitar Rufus – lead vocals on "Dancin' Mood" Everett Bryson – percussion Richard Mikuls – guitar Truman Thomas – piano on "Keep It Together (Declaration of Love)" Chuck "The German" Brooke – tenor saxophone, flute John "Iron Lips" Erwin – trombone Bob "The Professor" Greve – baritone saxophone, flute Dave Grover – trumpet, slide trumpet, trombone Bill Lamb – trumpet, slide trumpet, trombone, bass trombone Helen Lowe – lead vocals on "Ain't Nobody Like You", background vocals Lalomie Washburn – background vocals Maxayne – lead vocals on "Are We?", background vocals Freddie Hubbard – trumpet on "Bet My Dreams" Harvey Mason – drums on "Pleasure Dome"

Production Rufus – producer, mixing Roy Halee – producer, engineer, mixing Thom Wilson – engineer Allen Zentz – audio mastering Ernie Freeman – string arrangements and conductor

ChartsAlbumChart (1979)PeakU.S. Billboard Top LPs81U.S. Billboard Top Soul LPs15Singles''' Year Single Peak chart positions US USR&B1979 "Keep It Together (Declaration of Love)" 109 16 "Ain't Nobody Like You" — —

References

External linksNumbers'' at Discogs