Kokomo: The British Funk and Soul Collective
Kokomo is a renowned British funk and soul band that emerged from the vibrant London music scene of the 1970s. The group, celebrated for its powerhouse vocalists and tight musicianship, achieved significant commercial success with their 1975 self-titled debut album, which charted in the UK and solidified their reputation as a premier live act.
Early career
Kokomo was formed in London in 1973, initially as a collective of seasoned session musicians and vocalists. The band's foundation was built on members' prior work with artists like Joe Cocker, Arrival, and CCS, bringing a level of professional polish rare for a new group.
Their early reputation was forged on the live circuit, where their explosive performances at venues like the Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club quickly garnered a dedicated following. This buzz led to a recording contract with CBS Records in 1974, setting the stage for their studio debut.
Breakthrough
The band's breakthrough arrived in 1975 with the release of their first album, Kokomo. The record captured their energetic live sound and spawned the popular single "Use Your Imagination," which received heavy radio play.
While not a chart-topper, the album performed steadily, earning a silver certification in the UK for sales exceeding 60,000 copies. This success established Kokomo as a major force in the UK's burgeoning funk and soul movement.
Key tracks
Use Your Imagination — This driving funk single was the band's most successful radio hit and a staple of their live set.
I Can Understand It — A masterful cover of the Bobby Womack song, showcasing the band's soulful depth and vocal harmonies.
Angel — This track highlights the group's smoother, melodic side and features a standout lead vocal performance.
A Little Bit Further Away — A fan favorite that exemplifies the band's sophisticated songwriting and arrangement skills.
Following their debut, Kokomo released Rise & Shine in 1977, which continued their blend of funk and soul but with a more polished, disco-influenced production. The band toured extensively, including dates in the US, and collaborated with artists like Paul McCartney.
Internal tensions and shifting musical trends led to a hiatus in the early 1980s, though various line-ups have reformed for tours and recordings in subsequent decades. The original incarnation's two CBS albums remain highly regarded by collectors of British funk.
For fans of Kokomo's authentic 70s sound, similar artists featured on our site include Average White Band for their transatlantic funk mastery. Hot Chocolate shares a similar blend of soulful pop and upbeat rhythms. Light Of The World represents the later British jazz-funk scene Kokomo helped pioneer.
The music of Kokomo maintains a steady presence on classic soul and funk radio stations, particularly on specialty shows dedicated to 1970s grooves. Their tracks are regularly featured on online radio streams focusing on rare groove and British rhythm and blues, introducing their sound to new generations of listeners.
You can hear the timeless funk and soul of Kokomo on radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Explore our curated selection of classic rock and soul stations to discover where this influential British collective is currently in rotation.
