LAKESIDE

Biography

Lakeside is an American funk band formed in Dayton, Ohio, in 1969 by guitarist Stephen Shockley, who started as the Young Underground after leaving the Monterreys, later joined by vocalist Mark Woods from the Nomads. The group evolved into Ohio Lakeside Express, signing briefly with Curtom Records before renaming and moving to Los Angeles in 1974, where they added drummer Fred Alexander, Jr. from Liquid Funk. Early deals with Motown and ABC Records yielded little success due to label issues, but their career took off after partnering with promoter Dick Griffey in 1975, leading to their 1977 self-titled debut on ABC featuring 'If I Didn't Have You' and a Soul Train performance of 'Shine On.'

In 1978, Lakeside signed with Griffey's Solar Records, releasing Shot of Love co-produced with Leon Sylvers III, which included the Top 10 R&B hit 'It's All the Way Live.' Their signature sound—a self-contained funk style blending party anthems, ballads, and post-disco grooves—peaked in 1980 with the self-produced number one R&B single 'Fantastic Voyage' from the album of the same name, followed by hits like a remake of 'I Want to Hold Your Hand,' 'Raid' (1983), and 'Outrageous' (1984). Known for elaborate album cover costumes like pirates and cowboys, the band released six more Solar albums through the 1980s, with 'Bullseye' (1987) as their last major hit before new jack swing shifted trends.

Lakeside's legacy endures as one of funk's most consistent acts, with six original members still performing as of 2019, maintaining their high-energy live shows and influence in R&B party music over five decades.

Fun Facts

• Lakeside named themselves after the Lakeside Express newspaper in Chicago during their early record deal with Curtom.
• The band was courted by Norman Whitfield for Whitfield Records but chose Solar Records for the chance to write and co-produce their own music.
• Known for wild album cover costumes including pirates, 1920s police officers, cowboys, Arabian knights, and Robin Hood.
• As of 2019, they boast six original members, a rarity for funk bands with over 40 years together.

Members

• Stephen Shockley

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Dick Griffey - Promoter who informally managed the band from 1975, founded Solar Records, and offered creative control (Shot of Love (1978), Fantastic Voyage (1980)) [1975-1980s]
• Frank Wilson - Producer during Motown period (Unreleased Motown recordings) [1974-1977]

Key Collaborators

• Leon Sylvers III - Solar staff producer who co-produced debut Solar album (Shot of Love (1978)) [1978]
• Stephen Shockley - Founding guitarist and key songwriter (All major albums including Fantastic Voyage) [1969-present]
• Mark Woods - Lead vocalist/keyboardist, core member (Fantastic Voyage, Shot of Love) [1969-present]
• Fred Alexander, Jr. - Drummer who joined after L.A. move (Shot of Love and later albums) [1974-present]
• Otis Stokes - Lead vocalist/multi-instrumentalist (Fantastic Voyage, Raid) [1970s-1980s]

Artists Influenced

• Ty Dolla Sign (Tyrone Griffin, Jr.) - Son of later band member Tyrone Griffin, carried forward funk influences in modern R&B/hip-hop (Solo career albums) [2010s-present]

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #funk, #r&b