Few covers do an original song justice, however Intro’s cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Ribbon In The Sky” did just that. So much so that Stevie Wonder appears in the intro of the video.
Intro is a R&B trio from Detroit and Brooklyn. “Ribbon In The Sky” was released on Intro’s debut eponymous album Intro in 1993. Kenny Greene’s powerful and soulful vocals dominate the song. The piano and the group’s tight harmonies carry the beautiful rendition as well.
Intro is credited with taking the New Jack sound farther, giving it what would ultimately be called “neo-soul”. Kenny’s writing and arranging were so notable that he tied with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis for ASCAP’s Songwriter of the Year in 1993. Intro’s debut album was arguably more polished and accomplished than the debut albums of some of their R&B male group peers at the time. Kenny’s arrangements and the group’s first album were stellar and definitely influenced by the classics. Check out the video above.
