Sunbear

Biography

Sunbear was a Los Angeles-based soul and jazz-funk vocal duo formed in 1977 by singer/drummer Arnie Oliver (also known as Ahaguna G. Sun) and singer/guitarist Werner "Bear" Schuchner. The group was signed to Soul Train Records, a label founded by Don Cornelius and Dick Griffey, and released their self-titled debut album that same year. Their sound was heavily influenced by the sophisticated arrangements and energetic grooves of Earth, Wind & Fire, with additional stylistic nods to Tower of Power and El Chicano.

Despite their musical promise and the involvement of prominent producers, Sunbear disbanded after their debut, never recording a follow-up. Both members continued to contribute to the R&B and soul music scenes: Oliver joined the acclaimed band Maze (led by Frankie Beverly), while Schuchner became a sought-after session guitarist, working with acts such as The Whispers, Soul Train Gang, and High Inergy. Sunbear’s legacy endures through their rare album and the song "Fantasy," which was later covered by The Whispers on their hit album 'Imagination' in 1980.

Fun Facts

• Sunbear's only album was released on Soul Train Records, the label founded by the legendary TV host Don Cornelius.
• The group’s ballad "Fantasy" was later covered by The Whispers, becoming a standout track on their successful 1980 album 'Imagination.'
• After Sunbear disbanded, Arnie Oliver (Ahaguna G. Sun) joined Maze, a prominent soul band led by Frankie Beverly.
• Werner Schuchner (Bear) became a prolific session guitarist, contributing to albums by The Whispers, Soul Train Gang, and High Inergy.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Earth, Wind & Fire - Major stylistic influence; Sunbear's arrangements and sound were modeled after their jazz-funk and soul style. (General influence, not specific albums) [1970s]
• Tower of Power - Influence on horn arrangements and funk style. (General influence, not specific albums) [1970s]
• El Chicano - Influence on Latin-infused soul and funk elements. (General influence, not specific albums) [1970s]

Key Collaborators

• Don Cornelius - Producer and label founder; signed Sunbear to Soul Train Records and co-produced their debut album. (Sunbear (1977)) [1977]
• Dick Griffey - Producer and label executive; co-produced Sunbear's debut and later founded SOLAR Records. (Sunbear (1977)) [1977]
• Greg Phillinganes - Arranger on select tracks of Sunbear's debut album. (Sunbear (1977)) [1977]
• John Parrish - Horn arranger for the album. (Sunbear (1977)) [1977]
• Carrie Lucas - Provided background vocals on the album. (Sunbear (1977)) [1977]
• Walter Scott - Provided background vocals on the album. (Sunbear (1977)) [1977]

Artists Influenced

• The Whispers - Recorded Sunbear's song "Fantasy" for their 1980 album 'Imagination,' bringing Sunbear's songwriting to a wider audience. (Imagination (1980)) [1980]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Let Love Flow for Peace (Sunbear)
2. Mood 1 "L.O.V.E. Love" (Sunbear)
3. Erika (Sunbear)
4. Rhythm of Our Souls (Sunbear)
5. I Heard the Voice of Music Say (Sunbear)
6. Fantasy (Sunbear)
7. So Long (Sunbear)
8. Mood 2 "Love At First Sight" (Sunbear)
9. Mood 3 "Oliver" (Sunbear)
10. Erika - Extended Mix (Sunbear)

External Links

• Spotify
• MusicBrainz