When Soul Train booking agent Dick Griffey and show creator Don Cornelius created Shalamar in 1975—they were merely a group of hired sessions singers. But after some changes in sound and line-up, the group as many know it—Howard Hewett, Jody Watley, and Jeffrey Daniel—became one of music’s most dynamic trios.

Catapulted by their 1979 chart-topping Billboard R&B hit “Second Time Around,” Hewett, Watley and Daniel released a string of R&B and dance hits throughout the early 80s—many which became major hits in the UK.

But like many groups before them, infighting, changing dynamics, and personal issues dismantled the group, with the Watley and Daniel departing in 1983, leaving Hewett who continued with two new members until he left for a solo career in 1985.

Watley went on to lead a Grammy Award winning solo career, Hewett released a few R&B top ten hits as a solo artist, and Daniel went on to travel the world as a renowned choreographer, helping create moves for the late Michael Jackson—he’s the one who taught MJ how to moonwalk.

While the group has not performed together since 1998—which was their first time performing together since 1983—their contributions as a group and as solo artists have a place in music history.

ED NOTE: Today marks Jeffrey Daniel’s 57th birthday!

#TheHot10

TAGS: Dick Griffey, Don Cornelius, Howard Hewett, Jeffrey Daniel, Jody Watley, Michael Jackson, Shalamar