THE OHIO PLAYERS
Genre: Funk, Soul, R&B
Years Active: 1973-Present
Ohio Players, the influential funk ensemble from Dayton, Ohio, rose from local backing-band roots in the late 1950s to become one of the defining sounds of 1970s American funk. The group scored a string of commercial successes on Mercury Records — including the platinum albums Skin Tight, Fire, and Honey — and produced enduring hits such as “Funky Worm,” “Fire,” and “Love Rollercoaster.” With innovative production (notably Junie Morrison’s ARP synth work), provocative artwork, and wide sampling of their grooves, the Ohio Players’ music has been a touchstone for funk and hip-hop producers for decades.
Career Highlights
Three consecutive platinum-era albums: Skin Tight (1974), Fire (1974) and Honey (1975), which established the band’s commercial peak.
Pop chart supremacy: “Fire” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 (early 1975) and became one of the band’s signature crossover hits.
R&B chart milestone & production innovation: “Funky Worm” hit No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart (1973); its ARP synthesizer solo has been heavily sampled and cited as an early example of synth-driven funk.
Gold/platinum-certified singles & albums: Multiple singles and LPs from their Mercury period received RIAA certifications, underpinning their commercial reach in the 1970s.
Institutional recognition & legacy: Inducted into the Rhythm & Blues Music Hall of Fame (inaugural class, 2013); their recordings continue to be referenced and reworked across genres.
Music Videos
Live Performances
