.By All Means was an R&B group from the late '80s/early '90s that consisted of lead vocalist James Varner (who also played the trumpet & trombone), vocalist Lynn Roderick (born Mikelyn Roderick) and guitarist Billy Sheppard.
Lynn worked as an actress in television shows such as "Moonlighting" and "Cagney & Lacey." Billy was part of a music group called Skool Boyz. In 1985, James and Lynn met while they toured with Bill Withers. Producer Stan Sheppard was in the audience and suggested that they form a band with his brother Billy.
In 1988, the group released their self-titled debut album which peaked at #40 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart. In the United Kingdom, the album peaked at #80 on the U.K. Albums chart.
The first single "I Surrender To Your Love" peaked at #65 on the U.K. Singles chart and #26 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks.
The second single from the album "Somebody Save Me" peaked at #91 on the U.K. Singles chart, but didn't appear to make the charts in the United States.
The third single "I'm The One Who Loves You" managed to peak at #17 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.
The last single from the album "You Decided To Go" peaked at #94 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 3 weeks.
In 1989, By All Means released their sophomore album "Beyond A Dream" which peaked at #160 on the Billboard 200 and #36 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.
The first single "Let's Get It On" (a tribute to Marvin Gaye) peaked at #88 on the U.K. Singles chart, #29 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #3 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 18 weeks.
The follow-up single from the album "Do You Remember" peaked at #17 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.
In 1992, By All Means released their last album "It's Real" which peaked at #55 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart. The only single to chart was "The Feeling I Get" which peaked at #48 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.
After the release of their third and last album, By All Means disbanded. Lynn has worked as a background singer, jingle session singer, performed in the play "Crowns" and released a solo album "Copasetic Is" in 2007.
Lynn Roderick and James Varner are the parents of R&B singer Elle Varner. They have both made appearances on Elle's 2012 debut album "Perfectly Imperfect" as background singers, songwriters and producers on a few tracks. It is unknown what Billy Sheppard is up to these days.
To see a fan-made video for "I Surrender To Your Love," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXmlfzRb-9ITo see a fan-made video for "Somebody Save Me," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqQIXRqOh2ITo see a fan-made video for "I'm The One Who Loves You," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwQsQ8qlUAkTo see the music video for "Let's Get It On," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhk7HdpH-kATo see a fan-made video for "You Decided To Go," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaX1yPsqE3ETo see a fan-made video for "Do You Remember," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uG0NpeDXtsQTo see a fan-made video for "The Feeling I Get," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xC3PntUyZw
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