Dazz Band: The Funk and R&B Hitmakers

The Dazz Band is an American funk and R&B group best known for their early 1980s chart success. Their fusion of funk rhythms with a contemporary R&B and dance sound defined their most successful era.

Early career

Formed in Cleveland, Ohio, in the late 1970s, the group originally performed under the name Bell Telefunk. After signing with Motown Records imprint 20th Century Fox Records, they changed their name to Dazz Band, a portmanteau of "danceable" and "jazz." Their self-titled debut album, Dazz Band, was released in 1980.

Breakthrough

The band's commercial breakthrough arrived in 1982 with their fourth album, Keep It Live. The lead single from that album became a massive crossover hit, propelling them to mainstream recognition and defining their signature sound.

Key tracks

Let It Whip - This Grammy-winning single became their signature hit, reaching number one on the R&B chart and the Top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1982.

Joystick - The title track from their 1983 album continued their successful formula, becoming another major R&B chart hit.

On the One for Fun - A key track from their breakthrough album Keep It Live, it showcased their tight, dance-oriented funk style.

Let It All Blow - This 1984 single maintained their chart presence, securing another top ten hit on the R&B charts.

The Dazz Band continued to record and tour throughout the 1980s and beyond, releasing albums like Jukebox in 1985 and Wild and Free in 1988. Their music, particularly their early 80s output, remains a staple of the funk and R&B genre from that period. The group has experienced various lineup changes over the decades but maintains an active performance schedule, celebrating their legacy of dancefloor-ready funk.

Fans of the Dazz Band's energetic blend of styles also enjoy the work of similar American funk and R&B acts. The polished funk of Kool and the Gang shares a similar crossover appeal. The dynamic rhythms and horns of The Gap Band offer a comparable party-starting energy. For the sleek, post-disco R&B sound, listeners often turn to The Whispers. The foundational funk of Ohio Players, also hailing from the same state, provides a deeper roots connection.

The music of the Dazz Band, especially their classic hits, is frequently featured on radio stations dedicated to classic R&B and funk music. These stations often highlight the early 1980s era where the band's sound was most influential.

Listeners can explore the catalog of the Dazz Band and hear their timeless tracks through the radio stations available on onairium.com.