Surface

Surface was an American music group from New Jersey, active from 1983 to 1994. They are best known for their No. 1 pop and R&B hit "The First Time." During its heyday, the group consisted of singer/bassist Bernard Jackson (born July 11, 1959), David Townsend (May 17, 1955 – October 26, 2005), and David "Pic" Conley (born December 27, 1953). History Early years Surface was formed in New Jersey in 1983 with musicians David "Pic" Conley, David Townsend, and Everett Collins at its nucleus, with Conley's girlfriend Karen Copeland on vocals. David Townsend was the son of late singer/songwriter Ed Townsend, and was also a member of the band Port Authority in the 1970s along with David "Pic" Conley, who was the bassist of funk band Mandrill from 1978 to 1981. Townsend and Conley met when Townsend was in a '70s band in Los Angeles. During the 1970s, Townsend was a friend and colleague of drummer/writer Everett Collins, who worked with The Isley Brothers and founder of the band Sunrize, produced by The Isley Brothers with David Townsend as guitarist.