Champaign: The Sophisticated Soul of 80s R&B
Champaign is an American R&B and soul band originally from Urbana, Illinois, best known for their sophisticated 1980s sound. Their major achievement was the 1981 platinum-certified hit "How 'Bout Us," which became a romantic anthem and propelled their debut album to international success.
Early career
The band's origins trace back to Champaign, Illinois, in the late 1960s under the name The Chants. After a period of regional performances and member changes, the group reformed and relocated to Los Angeles, adopting the name Champaign in the late 1970s. Their polished blend of R&B, jazz, and pop caught the attention of Columbia Records, which signed them in 1980.
Breakthrough
Champaign's breakthrough arrived swiftly with their 1981 debut album, "How 'Bout Us," released on Columbia. The title track, "How 'Bout Us," soared to number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a top 5 hit on the R&B chart, achieving gold single status and driving the album to sell over a million copies for a platinum certification.
Key tracks
How 'Bout Us — The band's signature platinum-selling ballad defined their lush, romantic sound and became a staple on adult contemporary and R&B radio.
Try Again — This upbeat follow-up single from their debut album also charted well, showcasing the group's versatility beyond ballads.
On and On — A key track from their second album, "Modern Heart," it maintained their presence on the charts in 1983.
Never Fall in Love Again — Featured on the "Modern Heart" album, this song exemplified the band's continued focus on smooth, heartfelt vocals and production.
Following their initial success, Champaign released the album "Modern Heart" in 1983, which produced several charting R&B singles. The group experienced lineup changes throughout the decade but continued to record, releasing the album "Woman in Flames" in 1991. Their music, particularly the hit "How 'Bout Us," has enjoyed lasting popularity through its inclusion in film soundtracks and its status as a quiet storm radio classic.
Fans of Champaign's smooth 80s R&B style should also explore the work of similar artists. Atlantic Starr shared a similar trajectory with polished ballads and uptempo soul numbers. The Deele was another sophisticated 80s R&B group that produced major hits and launched notable careers. Shalamar blended R&B with disco and funk, creating a parallel dance-friendly sound from the same era. Peabo Bryson operated in the same lane of romantic, vocal-driven R&B that defined Champaign's biggest hit.
Champaign's music remains a fixture on radio stations that celebrate classic R&B and soul, particularly on dedicated quiet storm programs and 80s throwback channels. Their songs are regularly featured on adult contemporary FM stations and online radio streams specializing in vintage soul, ensuring their sophisticated sound reaches both nostalgic and new listeners.
You can hear the timeless R&B of Champaign on the radio stations featured here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover their classic hits and the smooth genre they helped define on our curated selection of music stations.
