Biography
Stone City Band was formed in 1978 by Rick James as his exclusive recording and touring band, emerging from James' vision to pioneer the fusion of funk, rock, and pop music. The band served as the backbone of Rick James' sound during his peak years at Motown Records' Gordy label, establishing the distinctive "punk-funk" aesthetic that defined his career. Comprising original Motown and Gordy musicians including Lanise Hughes, Tom McDermott, Levi Ruffin, Nate Guido Hughes, and Danny Lemelle, the Stone City Band became instrumental in crafting some of the era's most iconic hits.
Throughout their career spanning over 40 years, Stone City Band sold more than 10 million records worldwide and became recognized as one of the greatest live-performing funk and rock bands. The band's influence extended far beyond Rick James, as they provided musical backing for numerous artists including MC Hammer, Teena Marie, The Mary Jane Girls, The Temptations, Eddie Murphy, Smokey Robinson, New Edition, and Bobby Brown. Their catalog includes mega-hits such as "Super Freak," "Mary Jane," "You & I," "Standing On The Top," "Fire & Desire," "Cold Blooded," and "Ladies Choice," with their performances featured on major platforms including The Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, Soul Train Awards, and television shows like Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show.
The band's legacy is marked by numerous accolades, including Grammy Awards and American Music Awards, along with 3 Gold, 3 Platinum, and 1 Triple Platinum certification. Stone City Band has been documented in various media including the documentaries "UnSung," "Tales Of The Tour Bus," and "Bitchin' The Sound and Fury of Rick James," cementing their place in music history as pioneers of the funk-rock fusion sound.
Fun Facts
- Stone City Band's hit 'Super Freak' became the foundational sample for MC Hammer's 1990 worldwide smash 'U Can't Touch This,' earning Rick James his first and only Grammy Award as co-author.
- The band performed as backing musicians for multiple major artists simultaneously, including work with The Temptations, Smokey Robinson, and New Edition, making them one of the most versatile session bands of their era.
- Stone City Band's influence on hip-hop culture was so significant that the burgeoning hip-hop scene built countless tracks on the foundations of their songs, shaping the genre's sound in the 1990s and beyond.
- The band achieved remarkable commercial success with over 10 million records sold worldwide and earned 3 Gold, 3 Platinum, and 1 Triple Platinum certification, establishing them as one of the greatest live-performing funk and rock bands.
Members
- Shonda Akiem
- Oscar Alston
- Cliff Ervin
- John Ervin
- Lanise Hughes
- Nate Hughes
- Kapp Ivory
- Rick James
- Daniel LeMelle
- Tom McDermott
- Allen McGrier
- Billy Nunn
- LaMorris Payne
- Levi Ruffin, Jr.
- Lisa Sarna
- Kenneth Scott
- Clarence Sims
- Malcolm Tomlinson
- Erskine Williams
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Rick James - Founder and bandleader who shaped the Stone City Band's musical direction and sound (Come and Get It (1978), Street Songs (1981), Bustin' Out of L Seven) [1978-1980s]
Key Collaborators
- Teena Marie - Protégé of Rick James who performed with Stone City Band on recordings and tours (Fire & Desire, Teena Marie's top hits) [1980s]
- The Mary Jane Girls - Girl group assembled by Rick James that performed with Stone City Band as warm-up act and on recordings (Various recordings under Gordy label) [1980s]
- MC Hammer - Hip-hop artist who worked with Stone City Band on recordings and tours (U Can't Touch This (sampled Rick James' Super Freak))
- Eddie Murphy - Comedic actor whose hit single was produced by Rick James and Stone City Band (Party All the Time) [1980s]
- The Temptations - Legendary soul group that worked with Stone City Band on recordings and tours (Various collaborations) [1980s-1990s]
Artists Influenced
- MC Hammer - Hip-hop artist who built his breakthrough hit on Stone City Band's foundational sound (U Can't Touch This (1990, sampled Super Freak))
- Hip-hop and Rap Music Scene - Stone City Band's funk-rock foundation became sampled and referenced extensively in hip-hop production (Countless hip-hop tracks built on Stone City Band and Rick James compositions) [1990s onwards]
Connection Network
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Stone City Band has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.