Shalamar: The Pioneers of R&B and Dance-Funk

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 ranks of the popular television show "Soul Train," the group achieved massive commercial success with a string of infectious singles and platinum-selling albums.

Early career

Shalamar's origin is unique, born from a marketing concept by "Soul Train" booking agent and record promoter Dick Griffey. In 1977, Griffey and "Soul Train" creator Don Cornelius conceived the group to record a song for the show's first compilation album. The initial lineup featured session singers Gary Mumford and Jeffrey Daniel, with model Jody Watley soon added to complete the core trio. Their first single, "Uptown Festival," was a disco medley of Motown hits that became a surprise R&B chart success.

Breakthrough

The group's true breakthrough arrived in 1979 with the album Big Fun on Solar Records. The single "The Second Time Around" became a major hit, reaching number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and establishing their signature sound. This success was solidified by the 1980 follow-up album Three for Love, which went gold and spawned the classic dance track "Full of Fire."

Key tracks

A Night to Remember — This 1982 single became their highest-charting pop hit, peaking at number 5 on the Hot 100 and showcasing their polished, crossover-friendly sound.

The Second Time Around — The breakthrough hit that propelled Shalamar to stardom, blending smooth vocals with a driving disco-funk rhythm.

Make That Move — A quintessential dance-floor anthem from 1981 that highlighted Jeffrey Daniel's pioneering robotic dance style, later influential to artists like Michael Jackson.

Dead Giveaway — A 1983 hit from the album The Look, known for its socially conscious lyrics and funky bassline during the group's later phase.

Dancing in the Sheets — A 1984 Grammy-nominated track from the "Footloose" soundtrack that became one of their final major hits with the Watley/Daniel lineup.

Internal tensions and lineup changes defined Shalamar's mid-80s period. Jody Watley and Jeffrey Daniel departed for solo careers in 1984, replaced by Delisa Davis and Micki Free. While the new configuration had hits like "Dancing in the Sheets," the classic era had passed. The group continued with various members through the decades, with Howard Hewett, the lead singer from their peak years, also pursuing a solo path.

For fans of Shalamar's slick blend of R&B harmonies and danceable grooves, the music of similar artists is also featured on our platform. The sophisticated soul of The Whispers shares the same Solar Records pedigree and smooth vocal style. The funky, upbeat rhythms of The Gap Band echo the dance-floor energy of Shalamar's biggest hits. The polished pop-R&B of DeBarge captures a similar early-80s melodic sensibility. Furthermore, the solo work of Jody Watley continues the tradition of stylish, dance-oriented R&B that she helped pioneer with the group.

Shalamar's catalog remains a staple on radio stations that celebrate classic R&B and dance music. Their hits are frequently featured on urban adult contemporary formats, dedicated 80s music channels, and special programming on funk and soul stations, ensuring their music continues to reach new generations of listeners.

The music of Shalamar, a foundational American R&B and funk group, can be heard regularly on the radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover or revisit their timeless tracks by tuning into the various stations available on onairium.com.