The Natural Four

American soul group from Oakland, California.

The group began in the mid-'60s, landing their first deal with local label Boola-Boola Records. The group consisted of lead singer Chris James, Allen Richardson, John January, and Al Bowden. In 1971, they did a one-off single for Chess Records ("Give a Little Love"), after which Chris James completely overhauled the group. By 1972, Richardson, January, and Bowden were out, replaced by Darryl Cannady, Steve Striplin, and Delmos Whitney. The group then signed with Curtis Mayfield's Curtom label.