Champaign: The Smooth Soul and R&B Ensemble

Champaign is an American R&B and soul band originally from Urbana, Illinois, best known for their sophisticated 1980s pop-soul sound. Their major achievement was the 1981 platinum-certified hit "How 'Bout Us," which became a romantic anthem and propelled their debut album to commercial success.

Early career

The band's origins trace back to Urbana, Illinois, where they formed in 1976 under the name "Candlewick." After relocating to Los Angeles and changing their name to Champaign, they honed their blend of smooth vocals and jazz-inflected R&B. Their polished demo eventually caught the attention of Columbia Records, leading to a recording contract in 1980.

Breakthrough

Champaign's breakthrough arrived swiftly in 1981 with the release of their debut album, "How 'Bout Us," on Columbia. The title track, "How 'Bout Us," soared to No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 4 on the Adult Contemporary chart, driving the album to sell over one million copies and earn a platinum certification.

Key tracks

How 'Bout Us — The platinum-selling signature ballad that defined the band's career and became a timeless slow-jam staple.

Try Again — This follow-up single from their debut album also charted on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing their consistent melodic craft.

On and On — A key track from their 1983 sophomore effort "Modern Heart," illustrating their evolving, radio-friendly soul production.

Never — A later single that maintained the group's presence on R&B and adult contemporary radio formats into the mid-80s.

Following their initial success, Champaign released several more albums throughout the 1980s, including "Modern Heart" (1983) and "Woman in Flames" (1989). The group experienced lineup changes but continued to tour and record, with their music enduring on quiet storm and classic soul radio playlists. Their sound, characterized by lush arrangements and heartfelt vocals, secured their place in the landscape of early 80s R&B.

Fans of Champaign's polished vocal harmonies and smooth 80s R&B may also enjoy the sophisticated soul of Atlantic Star, known for hits like "Always." The romantic balladry of Peabo Bryson shares a similar adult contemporary appeal. For the jazz-inflected ensemble sound, listen to The Manhattans, masters of heartfelt R&B. The crossover soul style is also echoed by Larry Graham and his work with Graham Central Station.

Champaign's catalog of smooth soul hits maintains a steady rotation on dedicated classic R&B and adult contemporary radio stations. Their music is a fixture on formats specializing in 80s nostalgia and quiet storm programming, appealing to listeners seeking sophisticated vocal harmonies and timeless romantic ballads.

You can hear the smooth R&B and soul sounds of Champaign on various radio stations featured here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover their classic hits and experience a defining sound of early 1980s pop-soul.