Zapp with Ohio Players, Con Funk Shun, and more

The Ohio Players, hailing from Dayton, defined '70s funk with hits like "Fire" and "Love Rollercoaster." Known for horn-driven grooves and provocative album covers, they achieved multiple gold and platinum albums. Key members over time included Leroy Bonner and Junie Morrison. They've collaborated with artists such as Helena Ferguson and remained active into the 2020s.

Con Funk Shun, from Vallejo, CA, rose from a backing band to R&B/funk stars, known for hits like "Ffun" and "Baby I'm Hooked." Led by Cooper and Pilate, they shaped '70s-'80s funk and ballads.

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.

Atlantic Starr, formed in 1976 in White Plains, NY by the Lewis brothers, is known for smooth R&B hits like “Secret Lovers” and “Always,” defined by powerful vocals and soulful melodies.

Morris Day, born in Springfield, Illinois, moved to Minneapolis and became the frontman for The Time, pioneers of the Minneapolis sound with hits like "Jungle Love." Known for his suave funk style and collaborations with Prince, Day also had a successful solo career, highlighted by hits such as "Fishnet." Throughout his career, he collaborated with artists like Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and released five top R&B albums with The Time. His memoir "On Time: A Princely Life in Funk" was published in 2019.