ohio players

Biography

The Ohio Players are a pioneering American funk and soul band formed in 1959 in Dayton, Ohio, originally known as the Ohio Untouchables. The group began as a backing band for the Falcons, featuring members such as Robert Ward (vocals/guitar), Marshall 'Rock' Jones (bass), Clarence 'Satch' Satchell (saxophone/guitar), Cornelius Johnson (drums), and Ralph 'Pee Wee' Middlebrooks (trumpet/trombone). After several lineup changes and a split with Ward, the band reformed with Leroy 'Sugarfoot' Bonner as frontman and adopted the name Ohio Players by 1967, reflecting both their musical ambitions and charismatic stage presence.

The band achieved national fame in the 1970s after signing with Mercury Records, releasing a string of influential albums including 'Skin Tight' (1974), 'Fire' (1975), and 'Honey' (1975). Their signature blend of street funk, R&B, rock, and jazz, coupled with provocative album art, helped define the sound and visual style of 1970s funk. The Ohio Players scored major hits with songs like 'Funky Worm,' 'Fire,' and 'Love Rollercoaster,' earning multiple gold and platinum records and becoming staples of both R&B and pop charts. Their energetic performances and innovative sound made them one of the most influential funk bands of their era.

The Ohio Players' legacy endures through their extensive catalog, continued live performances, and the widespread sampling and covering of their music by later generations of artists. Their impact is evident in the work of hip-hop, R&B, and rock musicians, and they are recognized as trailblazers who helped shape the direction of Black music from the urban Midwest in the 1970s and beyond.

Fun Facts

• The Ohio Players are known for their provocative and often controversial album covers, which became iconic in the 1970s funk scene.
• Their 1975 hit 'Love Rollercoaster' sparked an urban legend that a scream heard in the song was a real murder caught on tape, though this has been debunked.
• The band has received 14 gold and platinum awards and appeared on national TV shows including those hosted by Dick Clark and David Letterman.
• Despite their long career, the Ohio Players continue to perform live without the use of computers or samplers, maintaining an authentic 1970s sound.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• The Falcons - The Ohio Players began as a backing band for The Falcons, an influential R&B group featuring Wilson Pickett. (Backing performances for The Falcons) [Early 1960s]
• Sly & the Family Stone - Stylistic influence, particularly on the Ohio Players' early 1970s funk sound. (Influence on albums like 'Pleasure' (1972)) [1970s]

Key Collaborators

• Leroy 'Sugarfoot' Bonner - Frontman, guitarist, and key songwriter after joining in the mid-1960s. (All major albums including 'Fire' and 'Honey') [1960s–2013]
• Clarence 'Satch' Satchell - Original member, saxophonist/guitarist, and bandleader. (All major albums) [1959–1995]
• James 'Diamond' Williams - Drummer and later bandleader, joined in the early 1970s. ('Skin Tight', 'Fire', 'Honey') [1970s–present]

Artists Influenced

• Red Hot Chili Peppers - Covered 'Love Rollercoaster' and cited the Ohio Players as a funk influence. ('Love Rollercoaster' (cover, 1996)) [1990s]
• Dr. Dre - Sampled Ohio Players tracks in hip-hop productions. (Various samples in 1990s hip-hop) [1990s]
• Beyoncé - Sampled and referenced Ohio Players' music in her work. (Sampled tracks in the 2000s) [2000s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Love Rollercoaster (Honey)
2. Fire (Fire)
3. Funky Worm (Pleasure)
4. Sweet Sticky Thing (Honey)
5. I Want To Be Free (Fire)
6. Skin Tight (Skin Tight)
7. Heaven Must Be Like This (Skin Tight)
8. Ecstasy (Ecstasy)
9. Fire
10. Let's Do It (Honey)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #disco, #funk, #pop