It's not an
understatement to suggest Ohio Players are one of the greatest bands of all
time. They are an American national treasure, a band that truly broke the mold
and changed the face of music forever. The Players music is pure and organic,
at their heights they produced 17 Top 40 hits, with several platinum and gold
selling albums, including masterpiece songs such as 'Skin Tight', 'Fire', 'Love
Rollercoaster' and 'Who'd She Coo?'
The Players sound has been ingrained into modern popular
culture. Their music has been used everywhere, from McDonald's commercials to
The Sopranos. In 2004 the Players were given a prestigious BMI award for the
use of the song 'Fire' on 12 seasons of Hell's Kitchen. The Players also paved
the way for the next generation of funkateers; samples of their music have
enhanced the careers of Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, Ice-T, Beastie Boys,
Public Enemy, Jay-Z, Outkast, Notorious BIG, 2Pac, Mary J Blige and a great
many others. Their songs have also been covered by a vast array of artists
including Red Hot Chili Peppers.
In 2013, the Players were inducted into the inaugural class
of the Official R&B Music Hall of Fame and in 2018, for the first time in
almost 30 years Ohio Players are back with new music!
The original Players members of James 'Diamond' Williams
(Drummer), Billy Beck, (Keyboardist), Clarence 'Chet' Willis (Guitarist) and
Robert 'Kuumba' Jones (Percussionist) have been back in the studio recording
the new music. The first single to drop is called 'Reset' and rest assured,
that Player groove is ever present. Mature and refined and complete with that
earthy timeless signature sound that made Ohio Players international superstars.
Coinciding with the release of the new record, Cherry Red
Records out of the UK have put together the definitive three CD collection of
Ohio Players works, combining music from the Capitol, Westbound, Mercury,
Arista & Boardwalk days alongside various spin off projects by the members
over the years for a total career overview of this exceptional Funk Band.
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