Starpoint: The Pioneers of 80s Funk and R&B

Starpoint was an American R&B and funk band that emerged from the vibrant musical landscape of Maryland in the late 1970s. The group achieved significant commercial success in the 1980s, most notably with their platinum-selling 1985 album Restless, which spawned the crossover hit "Object of My Desire."

Early career

Originally formed in 1977 as a family band in Bowie, Maryland, the group was anchored by siblings Renée, Kayode, and Gregory Diggs. They built a strong local following with their dynamic live performances, blending tight funk rhythms with soulful harmonies. Their self-titled debut album was released in 1980 on the Chocolate City label, a subsidiary of Casablanca Records, establishing their polished, dance-ready sound.

Breakthrough

Starpoint's major breakthrough arrived in 1985 with their fifth studio album, Restless, released on the Elektra Records imprint. The album was propelled by the irresistible single "Object of My Desire," which became a smash on both the R&B and pop charts. Restless was certified platinum by the RIAA, solidifying the band's national profile and defining their signature 80s funk style.

Key tracks

Object of My Desire — This synth-driven dance track became the band's biggest hit, reaching No. 7 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and crossing over to the pop Top 40.

He Wants My Body — Another standout from the Restless album, this song showcased the band's confident, playful side and further cemented their radio dominance in the mid-80s.

It's All Yours — A smooth, mid-tempo jam from their 1984 album Keep On It that highlighted the sophisticated vocal interplay between lead singer Renée Diggs and her brother Kayode.

The Point — This funky, instrumental-laced track from their 1982 album showcased the band's musical chops and became a favorite in their live set.

Following the peak of Restless, Starpoint released several more albums, including 1987's Make It Last Forever, which featured the charting single "I Just Wanna Dance With You." The band's sound evolved with the times, incorporating more electronic elements and new jack swing influences. They continued to tour and record into the early 1990s before eventually disbanding, leaving behind a catalog that remains a staple on quiet storm and classic R&B formats.

Fans of Starpoint's polished 80s funk and R&B should also explore the work of similar artists from the same era. The Deele shared a similar blend of slick production and crossover ambition, famously launching the career of Babyface. Midnight Star operated in the same electro-funk space, achieving success with hits like "No Parking on the Dance Floor." The Whispers delivered smooth harmonies and sophisticated R&B that paralleled Starpoint's quieter moments. Klymaxx offers a comparable mix of funk energy and pop sensibility from the same period.

The infectious grooves of Starpoint maintain a steady presence on classic R&B and throwback radio stations, particularly those specializing in 1980s hits. Their music is a fixture on formats that celebrate the golden era of funk and soul, from dedicated 80s channels to mainstream urban adult contemporary stations, ensuring their sound continues to reach new generations of listeners.

You can hear the timeless funk of Starpoint on radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover their essential hits and deep cuts, streaming live through our curated selection of classic R&B and throwback music stations.