BIOGRAPHY
Slave was formed in Dayton, Ohio, in 1975 by musicians Steve Washington, Mark Hicks, Mark Adams, Danny Webster, Floyd Miller, and Tom Lockett Jr. The band initially included members who had previously played with the Ohio Players. Their early sound drew inspiration from the funk-driven style of bands like Parliament-Funkadelic.
In 1977, Slave signed with Cotillion Records, and their debut self-titled album was released. The album featured the single "Slide," which gained attention and helped establish their presence in the funk music scene. Slave's music was characterized by tight horn arrangements, groovy basslines, and energetic performances.
The band's breakthrough came with their third album, "Show Time" (1981), which included the hit singles "Just a Touch of Love" and "Watching You." These songs became funk classics and contributed to the band's growing popularity.
Slave continued to release successful albums throughout the 1980s, including "Stone Jam" (1980), "The Concept" (1981), and "Visions of the Lite" (1982). Their music evolved, incorporating elements of boogie and electro-funk, and they maintained a loyal fan base.
In the mid-1980s, key members left Slave, and the band underwent lineup changes. Despite these challenges, they continued to release music into the 1990s, exploring new sounds while staying rooted in their funk foundation.
Some of Slave's well-known tracks include "Slide," "Watching You," "Just a Touch of Love," and "Weak at the Knees." Their influence on funk music is acknowledged, and their contributions have left a lasting impact on the genre.
While Slave faced challenges and lineup changes over the years, their legacy endures through their contribution to the funk era, and their music continues to be celebrated by funk enthusiasts and fans of classic R&B.