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The band took it's name from the different backgrounds of its members. Fung, who is British-Chinese (" China ") and Reid, who has Jamaican heritage (" Black "). Their music is typified by heavy, lush string arrangements, gospel choirs, a dance/pop/reggae beat, Pizzicato strings and mostly minor chord arrangments on piano. FIRST ATTEMPT AT SUCCESS (1992) The group released the song '' Searching '' in 1992 to no avail and no chart success. Deciding to quit whilst they were ahead, both returned to their original jobs. Reid was a town planner for " Brent & Barnet Council". The group didn't really 'fit' into the music market well, but their luck changed. SECOND TIME LUCKY (1994-1995) 1994 in British Pop (music) was notable for a growing pop/reggae crossover trend. Artists such as Ace Of Base , Chaka Demus & Pliers and Pato Banton (with the help of UB40 ), took their huge radio-friendly "pop/reggae" hits to the top of the UK charts for weeks. There was a huge resurgence in old reggae favorites, Aswad 's popularity and the rise of Shaggy as a global star meant reggae was becoming increasingly mainstream. In July 1994 the newly re-signed group re-released '' Searching '' on the back of this trend. The song peaked at #4 on the British charts - seemingly from nowhere, and stayed inside the top 75 for 16 weeks. China Black's blend of pop and reggae was a radio favourite all summer and more chart success was perhaps only hindered by the 15 week long #1 run of Wet Wet Wet 's '' Love Is All Around ''. ''Searching'' went on to sell 200,000 copies in the UK, became a huge success across Europe and did particularly well in Japan. Their second British single, '' Stars '', peaked at a modest #19. Still garnering huge radio support. In February 1995 they released their third charting British single ''‘Almost See You (Somewhere)’'', peaking at #31. They then quietly released their sole album ''Born'', which limped into the British charts at only #27. After this disappointment, the band took a break from promotions and toured around the world extensively. During this time China Black supported international artists like R Kelly , Jamiroquai and Dina Carroll . Such was their success that Errol Reid performed a duet with one of his heroes, Barry White on stage. In the summer of 1995, China Black were invited to perform guest vocals on Ladysmith Black Mambazo 's cover of Eric Clapton 's Swing Low Sweet Chariot . The song became the official England Rugby World Cup theme. It peaked at a respectable #15. After this, the duo worked on a second album and in 1997 returned with a new single called ''Emotions''. Sadly, it could only make it to #79 and they disbanded. POST 'CHINA BLACK' (1998-2005) Simon Fung turned his attention to songwriting, whilst also setting his sights on setting up his own record label. Errol Reid went on to become a TV presenter for ''The Dating Channel'' and '' Nickelodeon ''. He also became a semi-professional basketball player for the Birmingham Bullets . In 2002 Reid took part in the re-recording of ''Swing Low Sweet Chariot'', as a member of "United Colours Of Sound" with UB40 . As England's Rugby World Cup theme, the nation's eventual victory led to its huge airplay and exposure, and it reached #15 on the British charts. 2005 - RESURGENCE? In the spring of 2005 , the band re-emerged on the ITV TV show " Hit Me Baby One More Time " {Link without Title} . They did not get past the first round, but their songs, particularly ''Searching'' remain popular to this day. Since this appearance however, nothing has been heard. DISCOGRAPHY Singles
Albums
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