Dazz Band

Formed Cleveland, Ohio in 1976, The Dazz Band is a funk / R&B band best known for a clutch of ‘80s hits including “Let It Whip,” ‘Let It All Blow,” and “Joystick.” Born from the ashes of jazz fusion band Bell Telefunk, The Dazz Band was founded by saxophonist / vocalist Bobby Harris (the group’s only constant member) alongside vocalist / percussionist Kenny Pettus, bassist Michael Wiley, drummer Isaac Wisely and guitarist Michael Calhoun. Originally calling themselves Kinsman Dazz, the group signed with the 20th Century Records label in 1977, expanded their line-up, and headed to Los Angeles, California to begin recording their debut album. Originally intended to be produced by Marvin Gaye, Kinsman Dazz’ self-titled debut album was produced by Earth, Wind & Fire’s Philip Bailey and released in 1978, followed a year later by the album Dazz. The group then signed with Motown Records, changed their name to The Dazz Band and released the album Invitation to Love (1980). Encouraged by the chart success of the singles “Shake It Up” and “Invitation to Love,” the group returned with the album Let the Music Play (1981), which featured the number 44 hit “Knock Knock.” Their third album, the chart-topping Keep It Live (1982) included their best-selling single “Let It Whip,” which reached number 1 on Billboard’s Soul / R&B Singles chart and earned The Dazz Band a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. Their next album, On the One (1983), continued to bring the group success but they did not score another Top 10 hit until “Joystick” (from the 1983 album of the same name) and 1984’s “Let It All Blow,” which was featured on the album Jukebox. The Dazz Band left Motown after the release of Hot Spot (1985), and then released Wild & Free (1986) on Geffen Records before signing with RCA for the Rock the Room album in 1988. They continued to tour and release albums – including Under the Streetlights (1995) and Time Traveler (2001) – although they never achieved the success they enjoyed in the 1980s.

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