Charlie Wilson with Midnight Star, The SOS Band, and more

Formed in 1976 at Kentucky State University, MIDNIGHT STAR rose to fame with technofunk hits like "Freak-A-Zoid" and "No Parking on the Dance Floor." Their albums earned multiple Platinum and Gold certifications, with chart-toppers like "Operator," "Midas Touch," and collaborations like "Don’t Rock the Boat" with Whodini. Performing worldwide, they remain an iconic band in funk and R&B.

Klymaxx, an all-female band from LA founded by Bernadette Cooper, is famed for hits like "The Men All Pause," "I Miss You," and "Meeting in the Ladies Room." Known for their powerful vocals and comparisons to early Michael Jackson, they collaborated with talents like Babyface and George Clinton. Their successful album included hits "Man Size Love" and "I'd Still Say Yes." Joyce Irby topped the Billboard chart with "Mr. D.J." alongside Doug E. Fresh, while Bernadette Cooper's work was covered by Bette Midler. Featured on VH1's "Bands Reunited," Klymaxx is a celebrated icon in music history.

Charlie Wilson, an R&B icon from Oklahoma, rose to fame as The Gap Band's lead singer. Known for hits like "Outstanding," Wilson boasts 11 #1 singles, 13 Grammy nods, and a BET Lifetime Achievement Award. His solo work includes chart-toppers like "Forever Valentine" with Bruno Mars and "I'm Blessed" featuring T.I. Dubbed "Uncle Charlie" by Snoop Dogg, he's collaborated with stars like Pharrell, Kanye West, and Chance the Rapper. His memoir, "I Am Charlie Wilson," is a best-seller.

The Dazz Band, from Cleveland, Ohio, won a Grammy for "Let It Whip" in 1983. Known for electrifying R&B and funk, they had 20+ Billboard hits like "Joystick" and "Heartbeat." They appeared on Soul Train and American Bandstand, releasing 14 albums over five decades. Led by Grammy-winning saxophonist Bobby Harris, the band includes original members Keith Harrison and new vocalists SNCR and Maurice Smith.

Cameo, formed by Larry Blackmon in NYC, is known for their funky R&B hits and bold style. Notable songs include "Word Up," "Candy," and "She's Strange." They evolved from a Parliament/Funkadelic comparison to trailblazers themselves, influencing younger R&B and hip-hop artists. Hits like "Rigor Mortis" and "I Just Want to Be" topped the R&B charts. Blackmon's codpiece-wearing stage persona became iconic. They thrived in the '80s with albums like *Word Up!* and *Single Life*. Their music endures through compilations and samples in modern tracks.