Dazz Band

Biography

The Dazz Band is an American R&B and funk group that rose to prominence in the early 1980s, originating from Cleveland, Ohio. The band was formed in 1976 by saxophonist and vocalist Bobby Harris, evolving from the jazz fusion group Bell Telefunk. Initially known as Kinsman Dazz—a name referencing both the Kinsman Grill Lounge where they were the house band and the blend of 'danceable jazz'—the group underwent several lineup changes before signing with Motown Records in 1980 and adopting the name Dazz Band. Key early members included Bobby Harris, Kenny Pettus, Isaac 'Ike' Wiley, Jr., Michael Wiley, and Michael Calhoun, with later additions such as Sennie 'Skip' Martin and Pierre DeMudd strengthening their horn-driven sound.

The Dazz Band's musical style is characterized by a dynamic fusion of funk, post-disco, and R&B, marked by energetic horn sections, synthesizer-driven grooves, and catchy vocal hooks. Their breakthrough came with the 1982 hit 'Let It Whip,' produced by Reggie Andrews, which topped the US Billboard R&B chart and earned the group a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. The band continued to enjoy success throughout the 1980s with hits like 'Joystick' and 'Let It All Blow,' the latter becoming their biggest UK single. The Dazz Band's influence extended beyond their own recordings, as they became known for their electrifying live performances and their role in revitalizing funk during a period of transition in Black popular music.

Despite lineup changes and shifts in the musical landscape, the Dazz Band has maintained a lasting legacy within the funk and R&B genres. Their innovative blend of live instrumentation and electronic elements helped bridge the gap between classic funk and the emerging post-disco sound, influencing both contemporaries and future generations of funk and dance musicians. The group remains active, continuing to perform and celebrate the enduring appeal of their signature sound.

Fun Facts

• The band's name, 'Dazz Band,' is a portmanteau of 'danceable jazz,' reflecting their musical roots and stylistic ambitions.
• Their 1982 hit 'Let It Whip' won a Grammy Award and became a staple at skating rinks and dance floors across America.
• The group was awarded the Key to the City of Cleveland on New Year's Eve 1982, recognizing their contribution to the city's musical legacy.
• Dazz Band's live performances were so energetic and popular that they sometimes outshone the headlining acts they opened for.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Philip Bailey - Early supporter and mentor; Kinsman Dazz was described as Bailey's pet project before the group became the Dazz Band. (Guidance during the Kinsman Dazz era) [Late 1970s]

Key Collaborators

• Bobby Harris - Founder, saxophonist, and vocalist; central figure throughout the band's history. (All Dazz Band albums and performances) [1976–present]
• Sennie 'Skip' Martin - Trumpeter and vocalist; joined during Motown era, key to band's signature sound. (Keep It Live, Joystick, On the One) [1980–1985]
• Pierre DeMudd - Trumpeter and vocalist; contributed to the band's horn-driven arrangements. (Keep It Live, Joystick) [1980–2017]
• Reggie Andrews - Producer and songwriter; wrote and produced 'Let It Whip,' the band's biggest hit. (Keep It Live (notably 'Let It Whip')) [1982]
• Marlon McClain - Guitarist; joined after key members departed, aiding the band's continued evolution. (Wild & Free) [Mid-1980s]

Artists Influenced

• United We Funk All-Stars - Supergroup formed by Bobby Harris, including members of Bar-Kays, Con Funk Shun, Gap Band, and SOS Band, to celebrate and continue the funk tradition. (United We Funk All-Stars performances and recordings) [Late 1990s–2000s]
• Contemporary funk and R&B artists - Dazz Band's blend of electronic and live funk elements influenced the sound of later funk, R&B, and dance acts. (Various artists and tracks in the post-disco and modern funk genres) [1980s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Let It Whip (Keep It Live (Expanded Edition))
2. Let It Whip
3. LET'S WHIP IT
4. Joystick
5. You Are My Starship - Urbanstar Mix
6. Swoop (I'm Yours) (Funkology: The Definitive Dazz Band)
7. Let It Whip - 12" Mix (Keep It Live (Expanded Edition))
8. Let It Whip - Extended 7" Mix (Funkology: The Definitive Dazz Band)
9. Let It Whip - Single Version
10. Let It Whip - Single Version (Hitsville USA, The Motown Collection 1972-1992)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia