Lakeside: The Funk and R&B Hitmakers of the 1980s

Lakeside is an American funk and R&B band that emerged from Dayton, Ohio, and became a defining act of the late 1970s and 1980s funk scene. The group achieved major commercial success with their 1980 album Fantastic Voyage, which went platinum and spawned a timeless party anthem.

Early career

The band's origins trace back to the early 1970s in Dayton, initially performing under the name The Young Underground. After solidifying their lineup and changing their name to Lakeside, they were discovered by Dick Griffey, who signed them to his newly formed Solar Records label. Their early releases, including the 1978 self-titled debut Lakeside, established their tight, horn-driven funk sound and energetic live performances.

Breakthrough

The breakthrough arrived in 1980 with the release of their third album, Fantastic Voyage. The title track became a massive crossover hit, reaching number one on the Billboard R&B chart and peaking at number 55 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album's success was certified platinum by the RIAA, selling over one million copies and cementing Lakeside's place in funk history.

Key tracks

Fantastic Voyage — This platinum-selling single is the band's signature song, known for its infectious bassline and call-and-response chorus.

Your Love Is on the One — A standout track from their 1984 album Outrageous, it showcased the band's ability to craft smooth, radio-friendly R&B grooves.

Raid — This 1983 single demonstrated Lakeside's continued funk prowess and became a staple in their live setlist.

Something About That Woman — A popular track from the Fantastic Voyage album that highlighted their harmonious vocals and sophisticated arrangements.

The band continued to release albums on Solar Records throughout the 1980s, including Keep on Moving Straight Ahead and Power. While they never replicated the massive commercial peak of Fantastic Voyage, Lakeside maintained a dedicated fan base through consistent touring and a reputation for dynamic stage shows. Their music has been frequently sampled in hip-hop, introducing their funk rhythms to new generations. For fans of the classic Solar Records sound, similar artists include The Whispers, who shared a polished, vocal-heavy approach to funk. The funk and disco energy of Shalamar also aligns with Lakeside's dancefloor-focused records. The iconic Kool And The Gang represents another pillar of 1970s and 80s funk with crossover pop success. Finally, Commodores offer a blend of funk instrumentation and soulful ballads akin to Lakeside's versatility.

Lakeside's catalog remains a fixture on classic R&B and funk radio stations, as well as specialized online radio streams dedicated to 1980s music. Their hits are guaranteed to energize playlists on stations celebrating the golden era of funk.

You can hear the timeless funk of Lakeside on radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Listeners can discover their classic tracks and deeper cuts through the vintage R&B and dedicated funk radio stations available on our platform.