Born in Kent, England, Boy George rose to fame as the distinctive frontman of the 1980s pop band Culture Club, known for global hits like Karma Chameleon. Following the band's split, he built a lasting career as a solo artist, successful club DJ, and Tony-nominated theatrical composer.
Harry Wayne Casey, born in Hialeah, Florida, is the founder of KC and The Sunshine Band, known as the Founder of the Dance Revolution. He earned Grammy, People's Choice, and American Music Awards, landing four consecutive number-one records and over 200 film soundtracks.
Formed by Keren Woodward, Sarah Dallin, and Siobhan Fahey, the U.K. pop group Bananarama became an iconic '80s act known for hits like Cruel Summer and the chart-topping cover of Venus. Operating as a duo for much of their career, they continued releasing music into the 21st century.
Born in Manchester, England, soul-inspired R&B singer Lisa Stansfield rose to fame after co-writing and fronting Coldcut's hit People Hold On. Her 1989 solo single All Around the World reached number one in several countries, earning her Grammy nominations for Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
Wet Wet Wet is a successful British pop band that has sold over 15 million singles and albums and spent over 500 weeks on the UK charts. Their 27 Top 40 hits include three number ones, notably Love Is All Around, which spent a record 15 weeks at number one.
British new wave band ABC, led by Martin Fry, gained fame in the early '80s with hits like "Poison Arrow" and "Look of Love." Known for their synth-driven pop and theatrical style, they topped charts with their debut album and found success on MTV and in the US market.
Formed in London by Jazzie B, Soul II Soul fused hip-hop, house, and dancefloor R&B. The Grammy-winning group achieved international fame with their 1989 debut album, Club Classics Vol. One, featuring hits like Keep On Movin and Back to Life.
Created by producer Frank Farian, Euro-disco group Boney M. featured vocalists Marcia Barrett, Liz Mitchell, Maizie Williams, and Bobby Farrell. They achieved massive 1970s success with hits like Daddy Cool and Rivers of Babylon, and topped U.K. charts with albums including Nightflight to Venus.
Craig Charles, born in Liverpool, England, is a multifaceted talent known as an actor, comedian, and celebrated funk and soul DJ. He gained widespread recognition for roles in Red Dwarf and Coronation Street, and as a presenter for Robot Wars. Charles's musical style encompasses funk, soul, rhythm and blues, and jazz. He hosts a popular BBC Radio 6 Music show, which received a Gold Aria award, and has released "Trunk of Funk" compilation albums.
Atlanta-based alternative artist Trevor Nelson played piano, guitar, and drums from childhood. Encouraged by his best friend, he began releasing music in 2018 with covers of Shape of You and All of Me recorded with Atticus Roness.
Grammy-winning house music DJ and producer Roger Sanchez emerged from NYC to become a global icon. Known for his distinct style and underground passion, he runs Stealth Recordings and Undr The Radr, boasts iconic Ibiza residencies, and has collaborated with Fedde Le Grand and Ella Henderson.
Formed in 1977 by Jacques Morali and Henri Belolo with lead singer Victor Willis, Village People is an iconic group that has sold over 100 million records worldwide. Known for hits like YMCA, Macho Man, and In the Navy, their songs appear globally in films, Broadway, and sports events.
Katrina Leskanich, born in Topeka, Kansas, is a pop and new wave icon. As frontwoman of Katrina & The Waves, she achieved global fame with "Walking on Sunshine" and the 1997 Eurovision-winning "Love Shine a Light." Known for her powerful vocals, she received a Grammy nomination and released the album "Hearts, Loves & Babys" in 2020, and the single "I Couldn't Live Without Your Love" in 2024.
Brit-funk-rooted acid jazz group Incognito, led by multi-instrumentalist Jean-Paul “Bluey” Maunick since 1979. Known for UK hits “Always There” (No. 6) and “Don’t You Worry ’Bout a Thing” (No. 19) and Top 10 Billboard Contemporary Jazz albums.
