SHALAMAR Goes Uptown

Wanting to form a vocal/dance group  Shalamar​  was created and founded in 1977  by Don Cornelius​ and partner Dick Griffey for Soul Train Records label.  Originals were popular Soul Train​ dancers  Jody Watley​ Jeffrey Daniel providing instant public recognition and charisma for marketing and promotion for the disco hit "Uptown Festival" with session singer Gary Mumford. 

Don Cornelius to JET Magazine May 1, 1980 "Jeffrey and Jody were two of the most interesting people on the show", Cornelius reveals. "We thought they would fit the image we wanted to create for Shalamar. It's just lucky they could sing."  Read the archived article: JET

Jeffrey Daniel, Jody Watley, Gary Mumford

Laying the foundation of the  legacy Jeffrey Daniel, Jody Watley, Gary Mumford

Gary Mumford, Jody Watley, Jeffrey Daniel make first group appearance on Soul Train, 1977.

Mumford would depart shortly after release of the first SHALAMAR album of the same name "Uptown Festival."

Shalamar Supersoul Sunday Song of The Day

Check out this slow jam "Let's Find The Time For Love" from 1979 featuring that is referred to often as the classic lineup with a teenaged original member Jody Watley, along with Jeffrey Daniel. The two were once dance partners on the iconic television show Soul Train. They were joined for the third SHALAMAR album by vocalist Howard Hewett.

SHALAMAR with Gerald Brown, Jody Watley and Jeffrey Daniels

Jeffrey Daniel, Jody Watley, Gerald Brown in 1978

Shalamar became a real group with the addition of Gerald Brown for the 'Shalamar Disco Gardens' album. Mumford

had been primarily a studio singer with the first Shalamar album "Uptown Festival" being recorded by session singers.

Watley and Daniel were brought in by Don Cornelius recognizing his Shalamar concept for Soul Train Records would need charisma and marketable personalities according to archived interviews. Because of the popularity, already recognizable from the Soul Train television show and potential marketability of the dancing duo; Cornelius recalled it made perfect sense. Gerald Brown was taken from the singing group "The Soul Train Gang", the first act signed to Soul Train Records and added to Shalamar. Brown would depart after one album due to a contractual financial dispute, once the label was turned to Solar Records  and taken over by Dick Griffey.

SHALAMAR Get Your Nightlife with Originals Jody Watley and Gerald Brown on Soulbounce

From respected blog music blog  Soulbounce: Jody Watley brought the noise, funk and attitude that dominated the late 70's and all of the 80's. First with Shalamar and then as as a solo act, she paved the war for many of the female acts who came after her..the exciting twist features the original Shalamar co-lead singer Gerald Brown.. read the rest after the jump on:  Soulbounce

Jody Watley and the concept of "Nightlife" helps keep the Shalamar name alive and relevant  into the 21st century and the first Shalamar duet since 1983. "Nightlife" debuts on Music Week at Number 20 in Great Britain, always a strong market for Shalamar.

SHALAMAR Gerald Brown and Jody Watley Receive Disco Award

Original members Gerald Brown and a teen-aged  Jody Watley Disco Award Recipients in 1978

SHALAMAR Receive Disco Award In Australia 1978

Shalamar's Gerald Brown and Jody Watley Accept Disco Award in Australia