In the beginning there was a concept:  a virtual troupe of entertainers that would combine their talents to become a lean, mean, self-contained musical machine.  Originally the concept was the brainchild of Vernon Bullock: form a touring company who could perform separately and/or as part of a group.  Bullock introduced the idea to his boss, former Motown songwriter/producer Harvey Fuqua.  Fuqua liked the concept, so the pair traveled to Louisville, KY to start a production company and audition new talent.   They would sign new acts, which would be recorded separately, but collectively the acts would be known as "New Birth." The name stood for a new sound and a new beginning.