June Rich

by Alex HendersonComparable to Hootie and the Blowfish, June Rich was an interracial band who enjoyed a small but enthusiastic following playing around Philadelphia in the late '90s. June Rich formed in Philly in 1996, and the band soon gained a reputation for playing a melodic, R&B-influenced style of pop/rock that set them apart from the many angry, angst-ridden alternative rockers who were playing the Philly rock circuit at the time. In 1997 and 1998, June Rich was creating more and more of a local buzz and seemed quite capable of filling up a club in Philly, but by the end of 1998, the band had decided to break up. In 1999, lead singer Vanida Gail pursued a solo career.