Zapp and Midnight Star

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.

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.