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