Aurra: Pioneers of Boogie and Funk

Aurra was an American funk and boogie band that emerged from New York City in the late 1970s. The group achieved notable success in the early 1980s with a string of dance floor hits that blended slick production with infectious rhythms.

Early career

The core of Aurra formed in 1979, built around the production and songwriting talents of Curt Jones and Starleana Young. Initially working as session musicians and writers, they crafted their sound in the vibrant post-disco club scene, leading to their signing with the independent Salsoul label imprint, Salsoul Records.

Breakthrough

Aurra's breakthrough arrived in 1981 with their self-titled debut album. The single Make Up Your Mind became a defining track, climbing to number 14 on the Billboard R&B chart and establishing their signature boogie sound. This success solidified their place in the early 1980s funk landscape.

Key tracks

Make Up Your Mind — This 1981 single was the group's biggest commercial hit, a quintessential boogie anthem that dominated R&B radio and clubs.

Such a Feeling — Another standout from their debut, this track showcased their smooth harmonies and sophisticated, dance-oriented production.

You and Me Tonight — Released in 1982, this song further demonstrated their knack for crafting catchy, upbeat funk perfect for the era's electronic soul movement.

Following their initial success, Aurra released the album Send Your Love in 1983, which included the popular title track. The group's sound evolved through the mid-80s, with Curt Jones eventually departing for his own project, Freestyle, while Starleana Young continued to lead Aurra, exploring contemporary R&B and hip-hop soul influences on later works like 1992's Again.

For fans of the crisp, synth-driven funk of early 1980s R&B, similar artists include Midnight Star, who shared a focus on electronic boogie and club-friendly grooves. The sophisticated harmonies and production can also be heard in the work of The Whispers, another group that seamlessly transitioned from soul to boogie. Listeners may also appreciate the work of Slave, known for their raw, bass-heavy funk foundations that influenced the era.

Aurra's classic boogie hits maintain a steady presence on specialized radio formats, frequently featured on classic soul and funk FM stations, as well as online radio streams dedicated to 80s R&B and dance music history. Their music is a staple for programs focusing on the roots of modern electronic dance music.

You can hear the timeless funk of Aurra on radio stations featured on our website. Explore the stations available on onairium.com to discover their music and other defining artists from the boogie era.