Kool & The Gang with Tavares, The Trammps feat. Earl Young, and more

Formed in Jersey City in the mid-'60s, Kool & the Gang, led by Robert "Kool" Bell, became R&B icons with hits like "Celebration" and "Jungle Boogie." Their jazz-influenced funk sound earned them numerous Top 40 hits and gold or platinum albums, including Ladies' Night and Emergency. Collaborating with producer Eumir Deodato, they achieved great success in the '80s. They continued to tour and release music, collaborating with younger artists and maintaining a prominent influence in the music world over decades.

Tavares, a five-brother group from Massachusetts, are known for hits like "Heaven Must Be Missing an Angel," "More Than a Woman," and "Whodunit." They blend soul, R&B, and disco, worked with producers Freddie Perren and Bobby Martin, and collaborated with the Bee Gees. They first gained attention with "Check It Out" and topped R&B charts with "She's Gone." Their clean image and smooth vocals made them TV favorites in the ’70s.

Heatwave, formed by brothers Johnnie and Keith Wilder, is renowned for its international disco-funk sound, featuring hits like "Boogie Nights" and "Always and Forever." After starting in Germany, the band moved to the UK, joining forces with songwriter Rod Temperton. Their albums, produced by Barry Blue, consistently featured soulful ballads and dynamic grooves. Despite lineup changes, including Temperton's shift to writing hits for Michael Jackson, Heatwave's legacy remained strong into the 90s. The group made a notable return with live tours and remixes, celebrating their enduring influence in dance music.