Biography
Aurra was a pioneering American post-disco, boogie, and funk group formed in 1979 as a spin-off from the influential funk band Slave. The group was founded by Steve "The Fearless Leader" Washington, who brought together Curt Jones (lead vocals, guitar, percussion), Starleana Young (lead vocals, percussion), Charles Carter (keyboards, flute, sax, vocals), and Buddy Hankerson (bass) for their debut lineup. Both Jones and Young had strong musical backgrounds: Starleana Young was born in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, and began singing in church choirs at age twelve, later moving to New Jersey and joining Symphonic Express, where she met Jones. Curt Jones, born in Linden, New Jersey, came from a musical family with ties to Motown and big band jazz, further enriching Aurra’s foundation[2].
Aurra quickly established themselves in the early 1980s with a series of successful releases, signing first to Dream Records and then Salsoul Records. Their sound was characterized by infectious grooves, soulful vocals, and a polished blend of funk and boogie. Major hits included "Make Up Your Mind," "Are You Single," and "Checking You Out," with "Make Up Your Mind" reaching #6 on the US R&B chart and #71 on the pop chart[4]. The group underwent several lineup changes, with members from Slave and other associated acts joining at various points. Legal disputes over the Aurra name led Jones and Young to rebrand as Deja in the mid-1980s, continuing their musical journey with hits like "You and Me Tonight" (UK #12, US R&B #2)[1][2].
Aurra’s musical style fused the rhythmic innovation of funk with the melodic sensibilities of post-disco and boogie, helping to shape the sound of early 1980s R&B. Their work influenced a generation of funk and dance musicians, and their collaborative approach—often involving a rotating cast of talented players from the Slave organization—set a precedent for fluid, collective creativity in funk music. Aurra’s legacy endures through their classic tracks, their role in the evolution of boogie and post-disco, and their impact on both contemporaries and successors in the genre[3].
Fun Facts
- Aurra's lineup was highly fluid, often including members from Slave and other associated acts, making it more of a musical collective than a fixed band[2].
- The group was forced to change its name to Deja due to legal disputes over the Aurra trademark, which was owned by Steve Washington[1][2].
- Starleana Young's vocal style was shaped by listening to Michael Jackson, Minnie Riperton, and Stevie Wonder, as cited in a 1983 Salsoul press bio[2].
- Aurra's hit 'You and Me Tonight' reached #2 on the US R&B chart and #12 on the UK singles chart in 1986, marking their international breakthrough[1][2].
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Ralph 'Pee Wee' Middlebrooks - Steve Washington's uncle and member of the Ohio Players; Washington toured with him as a teenager, influencing his musical direction. (Ohio Players live tours) [1970s]
- Michael Jackson, Minnie Riperton, Stevie Wonder - Stylistic influences on Starleana Young's vocal approach, as cited in press bios. (Aurra's vocal style and arrangements) [1970s-1980s]
Key Collaborators
- Slave - Aurra was formed as a spin-off from Slave, with frequent personnel overlap and collaborative songwriting. (Slave albums, Aurra's debut LP) [1979-1983]
- Steve Washington - Founder and producer, directed Aurra's early sound and managed group transitions. (Aurra's early albums, production credits) [1979-1985]
- Phil Field - Keyboardist and composer, joined Aurra after working with Mtume. (Aurra albums (mid-1980s)) [1983-1986]
- Mysti Day - Replaced Starleana Young as vocalist after Young's departure. (Deja singles and performances) [Late 1980s]
Artists Influenced
- Surface - Members of Aurra aided in the formation and signing of Surface, a successful R&B group from New Jersey. (Surface's debut and subsequent albums) [1983-1987]
- Young and Company - Starleana Young's brothers and Buddy Hankerson formed Young and Company, with Aurra members supporting their early career. (Young and Company singles) [Early 1980s]
Source: Wikipedia
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Send Your Love | 1981 | Album |
| A Little Love | 2012-05-01 | Album |
| Live and Let Live | 2014-01-30 | Album |
| Aurra | 2014-01-30 | Album |
| Like I Like It | 2025-10-24 | Album |
| Grandmaster Flash Presents: Salsoul Jam 2000 | 2017-03-01 | Album |
| Gansevoort presents Suite Beats | 2015-01-26 | Album |
| Satisfaction | 2013-08-21 | Album |
| Anthology Vol. 1 | 2011 | Album |
| Classic Funk Flavor, Vol. 2 | 2001-10-15 | Album |
| Live and Let Live (Expanded Edition) | 1983-04-22 | Album |
| Live and Let Live | 1983-01-01 | Album |
| Live and Let Live | 1983-01-01 | Album |
| A Little Love (Expanded Edition) | 1982-03-12 | Album |
| A Little Love | 1982-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Are You Single? (Send Your Love)
- Make up Your Mind (A Little Love)
- You And Me Tonight
- Baby Love (Live and Let Live)
- A Little Love (Radio Edit)
- Such a Feeling (Live and Let Live)
- Send Your Love (Send Your Love)
- Checking You Out (A Little Love)
- Patience (A Little Love)
- Still Free (A Little Love)
External Links
Tags: #boogie, #funk, #soul
References
Heard on WWOZ
Aurra has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 13, 2025 | 20:13 | When I Come Homefrom Aurra | Soul Powerw/ Soul Sister |