BMG Chrysalis picks up Bohannon catalog

GODFATHER OF THE GROOVE: BMG Chrysalis has just inked an admin deal for the heavily sampled catalog of legendary R&B drummer/producer Bohannon, creator of the seminal four-on-the-floor groove, and will seek licensing opportunities for his songs. “The chemistry was there like you wouldn’t believe,” the Atlanta-based Bohannon said of the newly formed relationship. “We all got together as family—Laurent Hubert, who signed me [SVP Marketing] Wendy Griffiths and [VP Marketing, Film & TV] Jon Granat. “It reminds me of the old days at Motown.” In conjunction with the deal, Bohannon will release Let’s Start the Dance Electronic Soul Train, his first album of new material in 22 years, on his own HnA Records. From 1974 to 1983, Bohannon racked up 19 charted singles, including “Foot Stompin’' Music,” “South African Man” and “Let’s Start the Dance.” He was famously name-checked in the Tom Tom Club classic “Genius of Love.” His tracks have been sampled by a host of artists, including Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, Nine Inch Nails, Musiq Soulchild, Young MC, Bell Biv DeVoe, Heavy D. & the Boyz, Digable Planets, Montell Jordan, Craig Mack, Nate Dogg and Warren G. (3/5a)