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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhfEzeUlyPA
Ohio Players - A documentary about the Ohio Players. Unsung; Episode aired July 4th, 2011 (S4.E5).
The Ohio Players, American funk and pop band from Dayton, Ohio, that put an indelible stamp on Black music from the urban Midwest in the 1970s. The principal members were Clarence (“Satch”) Satchell (b. April 14th, 1940, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.—d. December 30th, 1995, Dayton, Ohio), Leroy (“Sugarfoot”) Bonner (b. March 14th, 1943, Hamilton, Ohio—d. January 26th, 2013, Trotwood, Ohio), Greg Webster (b. January 4th, 1938, Hamilton—d. January 14th, 2022, Dayton, Ohio), James (“Diamond”) Williams (b. March 27th, 1950, Dayton), Marshall Jones (b. January 1st, 1941, Dayton—d. May 27th, 2016, Houston, Texas), Ralph (“Pee Wee”) Middlebrooks (b. August 20th, 1939, La Grange, Georgia—d. October 13th, 1996, Dayton), Marvin (“Merv”) Pierce (b. July 13th, 1951, Dayton), Walter (“Junie”) Morrison (b. 1954, Dayton—d. January 21st, 2017), and William "Billy" Beck. Formed in 1959 as the Ohio Untouchables by singer-guitarist Robert Ward (b. October 15th, 1938, Luthersville, Georgia—d. December 25th, 2008, Dry Branch, Georgia)—who departed for a solo career some two years later—the group first recorded as a backing band for the vocal group the Falcons, featuring Wilson Pickett. Having changed their name, the Ohio Players signed to Westbound Records in 1971 and fused rhythm and blues, rock, jazz, and eclectic album art to create a regional brand of heavy funk. The band’s first national hit was the 1972 novelty song “Funky Worm,” which featured the comic vocal characters of keyboardist Morrison (who promptly left the group and later joined Parliament-Funkadelic). With Beck as Morrison’s replacement on keyboards, Williams replacing Webster on drums, and guitarist-vocalist Bonner playing an expanded role, the Ohio Players fashioned a sleek yet raucous sound that appealed to fans of soul, rock, and disco. A series of hit albums followed—among them Skin Tight (1974), Fire (1975), Honey (1975), and Contradiction (1976)—along with two chart-topping pop hits, “Fire” (1974) and “Love Rollercoaster” (1975). The Ohio Players enjoyed a glittery high-fashion image and created a rock controversy with their risqué album covers. Yet their diverse, highly original music was steeped in Midwestern blues and influenced a number of contemporary funk and soul groups. They were the most successful of a series of Ohio-based soul and funk artists in the 1970s that included Lakeside, Slave, and Zapp.
(britannica.com).
The Ohio Players traveled the world and produced more than a dozen albums and received 14 gold and platinum awards for their accomplishments. They have also appeared on many national television programs from Dick Clark, Don Kushner, to David Letterman. They are widely regarded as one of the most influential and innovative funk bands of all time. Their music has been sampled and covered by numerous artists, such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Salt-N-Pepa, Puff Daddy, Sound Garden, Too Short, Paul Jackson Jr., Alex Bugnon, Aaliyah, and Beyoncé just to name a few... The group has also been featured in several documentaries, books, and films, such as Standing in the Shadows of Motown, Soul Train: The Movie, Superfly. & many more... Currently the band consists of ten members three of which are original members. James “Diamond” Williams (Drums), Billy Beck (Keyboard), Clarence Willis (Lead Guitar). One might think the band members could now sit back, and count their gold and platinum records, enjoy the memories and fade into an easy retirement. Nothing could be further from the truth. These guys have maintained to keep busy and have been entertaining crowds of people all over the world who sing their songs and dance to the melodies and funky grooves. The summer of 2009 the group played several engagements just to mention a few. In Louisville Ky. Fourth of July with a crowd 40,000 (+) that endured the rain and stayed to listen despite the weather, Washington D.C. at the Carter Barron, Several Casino’s, and Also the Indianapolis 500 Ball, and the Indianapolis 500 Parade with over 300,000 in attendance. These dates are just a few that stick out. The Ohio Players today are one of the few bands from the 70’s era who still currently performs all of their music using no computers or samplers to enhance their musical production. The Ohio Players are thankful for still having a large loyal fan base who come to the shows and are still enthusiastic to hear the original sounds from the 70’s. After 50+yrs in the business this group is still setting stages on “Fire” and riding their own “Love Rollercoaster”.
(theofficialohioplayers.com)
theofficialohioplayers.com
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