Historical clue formulations

• R&B group with a series of 1970s hits, with "the" — 2016-12-30
• R&B group with the 1972 hit "Back Stabbers," with "the" — 2014-02-28
• "Love Train" group, with "the" — 2012-12-09
• "Use ta Be My Girl" group, with "the" — 2012-12-08
• "Love Train" singers, with "the" — 2012-01-18
• 1970s R&B trio in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with "the" — 2008-09-27
• 1973 "Love Train" singers, with "the" — 2004-03-02
• "Love Train" singers, with "the" — 2004-01-07