Marlon McClain: The Funk and R&B Guitar Virtuoso

Marlon McClain is an American guitarist, songwriter, and producer whose fluid playing has powered hits across funk, R&B, and soul for decades. Hailing from Portland, Oregon, his career pinnacle includes co-writing and performing on the platinum-selling smash "You're the One for Me" with the group Dazz Band.

Early career

Born in 1954, McClain's musical journey began in the vibrant Pacific Northwest scene. He first gained significant attention as a founding member of the band Pleasure, which signed with Fantasy Records and released a series of acclaimed jazz-funk albums in the 1970s, establishing his reputation as a formidable and melodic player.

Breakthrough

McClain's breakthrough into the commercial mainstream arrived in the early 1980s through his collaboration with the Cleveland-based funk ensemble Dazz Band. His songwriting and guitar work were central to their 1982 album Keep It Live, which spawned the crossover hit "Let It Whip," earning the group a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group.

Key tracks

Let It Whip — This Grammy-winning track for Dazz Band features McClain's iconic guitar riff and remains a defining anthem of the funk era.

You're the One for Me — Co-written by McClain, this smooth Dazz Band single achieved platinum status and became a quiet storm radio staple.

Joyous — A standout instrumental from his Pleasure days, showcasing his clean, inventive guitar style and melodic sensibility.

Glide — This track from Pleasure's 1979 album Future Now exemplifies the sophisticated, jazz-inflected funk that built his early following.

Following the success with Dazz Band, McClain expanded his role as a sought-after session musician and producer. He contributed to projects for a wide range of artists, including The Whispers, Anita Baker, and George Duke, blending his signature funk sound with contemporary R&B and pop production. In the 1990s, he co-founded the production team The Characters, further solidifying his behind-the-scenes influence in the industry.

Artists with a similar blend of instrumental prowess and smooth, groove-centric production include Larry Carlton for his masterful session guitar work across genres. The jazz-funk fusion of Pleasure directly connects to McClain's foundational role in that band. For the polished, hit-making R&B sound of the 80s, explore The Whispers, whom McClain has produced and played for. The guitar-driven funk of Dazz Band naturally features his most famous contributions.

Marlon McClain's rich catalog of funk and R&B grooves maintains a steady presence on specialized radio formats. His music is a fixture on classic soul stations, quiet storm channels, and dedicated funk programs that celebrate the instrumentalists behind the hits.

You can hear the timeless music of Marlon McClain across various radio stations featured on our website. Explore the artists and genres that defined an era by tuning into the curated stations available on onairium.com.