Shalamar: The Pioneers of Sophisticated R&B and Dance

Shalamar is an American vocal group that became a defining force in R&B and dance music during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Formed from the creative hub of the television show "Soul Train," the group achieved massive commercial success with a string of infectious singles and platinum-selling albums.

Early career

Shalamar's origins are uniquely tied to the music industry. The group was conceptually assembled in 1977 by "Soul Train" booking agent and Solar Records executive Dick Griffey and the show's producer Don Cornelius. The initial lineup featured session singers Gary Mumford and Jeffrey Daniel, with Jody Watley soon joining as the third member, forming the classic trio.

Breakthrough

The group's commercial breakthrough arrived in 1979 with the release of their second studio album, Big Fun. The album spawned the massive hit The Second Time Around, which reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a signature song. This success established Shalamar as hitmakers for the Solar Records label and stars of the burgeoning disco and R&B scene.

Key tracks

A Night To Remember — This 1982 single showcased their move into a sleeker, more synthesized R&B sound and became a top ten hit in the UK.

Dead Giveaway — A funk-driven track from 1983 that highlighted the group's sharp choreography, particularly Jeffrey Daniel's iconic backslide, a precursor to the moonwalk.

Make That Move — This 1981 dance anthem solidified their chart dominance, reaching number one on the Billboard R&B chart.

Friends — A smooth, mid-tempo ballad from 1982 that demonstrated the group's vocal harmonies and crossover appeal.

The classic lineup began to dissolve after 1983, with Watley and Daniel departing for solo careers. The Shalamar name continued with various member changes, including the addition of singer Delisa Davis and later Howard Hewett, who had initially replaced Mumford. The group scored further hits like Dancing in the Sheets from the "Footloose" soundtrack in 1984. Their influence is cemented by multiple gold and platinum certifications from the RIAA for albums like Three for Love and Friends.

For fans of Shalamar's polished R&B and dance-floor energy, similar artists from the same era include The Whispers, who shared a label and a sophisticated vocal style. The Pointer Sisters also mastered genre-blending pop and R&B with a dynamic group presence. Kool and the GangKool and the Gang successfully transitioned from funk to smooth R&B anthems in the same period.

Shalamar's catalog remains a staple on radio stations that celebrate classic R&B, vintage dance music, and 80s pop formats. Their hits are frequently featured on dedicated throwback shows and mainstream adult contemporary stations, ensuring their music continues to reach new generations of listeners.

You can hear the timeless music of Shalamar on radio stations featured across our website. Explore the onairium.com platform to discover stations playing their greatest hits and relive the sound of this influential American group.