The Whispers with Zapp, The Chi-Lites, and more

R&B legends, The Whispers, known for hits like "Rock Steady" and "And the Beat Goes On," boast 50+ years of soulful music with 33 top 100 hits and no lineup change since 1973.

Zapp, led by Roger Troutman, revolutionized '80s funk with their vocoder talk boxes and grooves. From Hamilton, OH, they collaborated with Bootsy Collins, scoring hits like "More Bounce to the Ounce" and "Dance Floor." Roger's solo successes included "I Want to Be Your Man." Known for their influence on electro-funk, they played a role in Dr. Dre & 2Pac's "California Love." The group's lasting legacy was marked by platinum success and tragic loss in 1999.

Chicago’s Chi-Lites, led by Eugene Record, are known for smooth soul hits like “Oh Girl” and “Have You Seen Her.” They scored 11 Top Ten R&B singles in the ’70s and influenced artists like Beyoncé.

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.