BIOGRAPHY
The Dazz Band was formed in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1976. Originally named Kinsman Dazz, the band underwent some lineup changes before settling on the name Dazz Band. The group's original members included Bobby Harris, Skip Martin, Kenny Pettus, Isaac "Ike" Wiley Jr., Michael Calhoun, Pierre DeMudd, and Michael Wiley.
In 1980, the Dazz Band achieved commercial success with their debut album "Invitation to Love," which featured the hit single "Let It Whip." The infectious groove and catchy lyrics of "Let It Whip" earned the Dazz Band a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 1982.
Building on their success, the Dazz Band continued to release albums throughout the 1980s, including "Keep It Live" (1982), "On the One" (1983), and "Jukebox" (1984). These albums produced several charting singles, solidifying the Dazz Band's status as a prominent funk and R&B act of the era.
The band's sound incorporated elements of funk, soul, and dance music, and they were known for their tight musicianship and dynamic stage presence. The Dazz Band's ability to blend different musical styles contributed to their broad appeal.
While the Dazz Band's commercial success waned in the late 1980s and 1990s, they remained active in the music scene, continuing to perform and release new material. The Dazz Band's impact on the funk genre endures, and their classic hits like "Let It Whip" are still enjoyed by fans of funk and R&B music.
Over the years, the Dazz Band has seen lineup changes, but they continue to perform and maintain a presence in the world of funk and soul, contributing to their legacy as one of the notable acts of the genre.