Shalamar

Shalamar is a renowned American R&B and soul music group, which originated in the mid-1970s. The group was created by Soul Train booking agent Dick Griffey and show host Don Cornelius. Initially, Shalamar was just a faceless vocal group on the Soul Train television series.

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The original members were session singers for the show, but the first recognized lineup in 1977 consisted of Jody Watley, Jeffrey Daniel, and Gary Mumford. Mumford was quickly replaced by Gerald Brown, and later Howard Hewett joined as the lead vocalist in 1979. 

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Shalamar's breakthrough came with the 1979 disco hit "The Second Time Around." Under the leadership of Hewett, the band's soulful harmonies soared, leading to a string of hits in the 1980s, including "A Night to Remember," "There It Is," and "I Can Make You Feel Good."

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Shalamar's lineup changed several times over the years, with Watley and Daniel leaving in 1983 to pursue solo careers. Despite this, the group continued to record and perform with different members. In the 2000s, Hewett, Daniel, and new member Carolyn Griffey (daughter of founder Dick Griffey) revived Shalamar and toured internationally.

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Shalamar's influence is still felt today, with their music frequently sampled by hip hop artists, signifying their lasting impact on the music industry.