Living Colour

Biography

Living Colour is an American rock band formed in New York City in 1984 by guitarist Vernon Reid, who was born in London, England, and moved to New York at a young age[1][2][3]. The band’s original lineup included Reid, vocalist Corey Glover, drummer Will Calhoun, and bassist Muzz Skillings, with Doug Wimbish replacing Skillings in 1992[1][3]. Living Colour burst onto the scene in the late 1980s with a sound that fused hard rock, funk, jazz, hip hop, and metal, defying genre conventions and racial expectations in the rock world[1][3][4]. Their debut album, Vivid (1988), propelled them to mainstream success, thanks in part to the hit single 'Cult of Personality,' which won a Grammy Award in 1990[3][4]. The band’s lyrics tackled social issues such as racism, gentrification, and addiction, while their music appealed to a diverse audience and opened doors for future generations of Black rock artists[1][4]. After disbanding in 1995, Living Colour reunited in 2000 and have since released additional albums, continuing to tour and record new music[3]. Their legacy is marked by their pioneering role in breaking racial barriers in rock and their enduring influence on the genre[1][4].

Fun Facts

• Living Colour’s name uses the British spelling 'Colour' because founder Vernon Reid was born in England[3].
• Corey Glover, the band’s lead singer, had a brief acting career and appeared in Oliver Stone’s film Platoon before joining the band[2].
• The band’s breakthrough came after Mick Jagger saw them perform at CBGB and invited them to collaborate on his solo album, leading to their record deal[1].
• Living Colour’s 'Cult of Personality' remains culturally relevant, featured in video games and as the entrance music for professional wrestler CM Punk[4].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Mick Jagger - Early supporter and producer of demos (Produced early Living Colour demos) [Late 1980s]
• Ronald Shannon Jackson - Jazz mentor to Vernon Reid (Played with Reid in Decoding Society) [Early 1980s]

Key Collaborators

• Vernon Reid - Founder, guitarist, and primary songwriter (All Living Colour albums) [1984–present]
• Corey Glover - Lead vocalist (All Living Colour albums) [1986–present]
• Will Calhoun - Drummer (All Living Colour albums) [1986–present]
• Muzz Skillings - Original bassist (Vivid, Time's Up) [1986–1992]
• Doug Wimbish - Bassist (replaced Skillings) (Stain onward) [1992–present]

Artists Influenced

• Rage Against the Machine - Cited Living Colour as an influence in blending rock with social and political themes (Early albums) [1990s]
• Sevendust - Inspired by Living Colour's fusion of metal and funk (Early career) [1990s–2000s]
• King's X - Influenced by Living Colour's genre-blending and vocal harmonies (Early albums) [Late 1980s–1990s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Cult of Personality (2023 Remaster) (Vivid (2023 Remaster))
2. Cult of Personality (Remastered 2023)
3. Cult of Personality
4. Love Rears Its Ugly Head (Time's Up)
5. Cult of Personality - Rerecorded
6. Cult of Personality
7. Cult of Personality
8. Glamour Boys (2023 Remaster) (Vivid (2023 Remaster))
9. Cult Of Personality (Re-Recorded / Remastered)
10. Open Letter (To a Landlord) [2023 Remaster] (Vivid (2023 Remaster))

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #alternative-metal, #american, #estados-unidos