A Taste of Honey: The Disco-Funk Hitmakers Behind "Boogie Oogie Oogie"
A Taste of Honey was an American vocal and instrumental group that fused disco, funk, and pop soul into a chart-topping sound. The band is best known for their 1978 debut single "Boogie Oogie Oogie," which became a disco anthem and earned them a Grammy Award.
Early Career
Formed in Los Angeles, California in the early 1970s, the original members included Janice-Marie Johnson (bass, vocals) and Perry Kibble (keyboards). The group's name was inspired by the 1962 instrumental hit by Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass. They honed their skills as a touring act before signing with Capitol Records in the late 1970s, setting the stage for their sudden rise.
Breakthrough
The breakthrough for A Taste of Honey came explosively in 1978 with the release of their self-titled debut album. The lead single, "Boogie Oogie Oogie," written by Janice-Marie Johnson and Perry Kibble, became a massive crossover hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Soul Singles charts. The song's success propelled the album to platinum status and won the group the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1979.
Key Tracks
Boogie Oogie Oogie - This debut single defined the group's sound with its funky bassline and disco beat, becoming a number-one hit and a cultural touchstone.
Sukiyaki - Their 1981 cover of the Kyu Sakamoto hit showcased their versatility, blending soulful vocals with a smooth pop arrangement and reaching the top of the R&B and adult contemporary charts.
Do It Good - Another track from their debut album, this song further highlighted their instrumental prowess and tight vocal harmonies.
I'll Try Something New - This track demonstrated the group's ability to deliver softer, romantic soul ballads alongside their dance-floor hits.
The success of their first album established A Taste of Honey as leading figures in the late-70s disco and boogie scene. Their follow-up album, "Another Taste," continued their blend of funk and soul, though it did not match the commercial peak of their debut. The group's sound evolved into the early 1980s, embracing the quiet storm and R&B formats with albums like "Twice as Sweet."
Janice-Marie Johnson's distinctive bass playing and vocals were a central component of the group's identity. While the lineup experienced changes over the years, the core sound rooted in danceable grooves and melodic soul remained. The music of A Taste of Honey continues to be celebrated on classic disco and funk playlists, representing a specific and successful moment in American dance music.
Fans of the boogie and disco sound of A Taste of Honey might also enjoy the music of similar artists from the same era. The funk and soul stylings of Chic share a similar foundation in dance-floor rhythm sections. The vocal harmonies and crossover pop-soul of The Pointer Sisters offer a comparable blend of genres. For more instrumental-focused funk from the period, Kool & The Gang provides a parallel journey through dance music trends.
