Shalamar Taking It To The Beginning

Original member Jeffrey Daniel and Jody Watley with session singer Gary Mumford "Uptown Festival" , 1977

There have many many lineups for  music group Shalamar ™ beginning in 1977, pictured are the first incarnation. 

Don Cornelius formed Soul Train Records along with Dick Griffey (eventual owner and found of Solar Records). The medley of Motown songs "Uptown Festival" quickly became a disco hit, had been recorded by Mumford and other session singers. The single was produced by Simon Soussan. Needing a fast solution to help promote the single and give Shalamar an instant identity Cornelius handpicked popular Soul Train dancers from the iconic show.  JET Magazine in 1980 "Jeffrey and Jody Watley used to be dance partners..when word trickled down in 1977 that Cornelius and producer Dick Griffey wanted to for a vocal/dance group, the popular couple were natural choices. "Jeffrey and Jody were two of the most interesting people on the show," Cornelius reveals. "We thought they would fit in the image we wanted to create for Shalamar, It's just lucky they could sing." he laughs

Mumford wasn't in the lineup long and quickly departed after a few promotional appearances and one photo session.

JET Magazine to Discontinue Print Edition and Convert to Digital

Howard Hewett, Jeffrey Daniel, Jody Watley 

Jody Watley

Chicago Tribune says: "JET magazine, the digest-sized publication that has been a staple among African-American readers for 63 years, is getting out of the print business."  Read the article after the jump: here

Shalamar covered the magazine in 1980 with  "Big Fun", while original member and subsequent GRAMMY winner Jody Watley covered the magazine on her solo debut in 1987, the only member of Shalamar to earn her own cover.

SHALAMAR Classic Photo with Jeffrey Daniel, Jody Watley and Howard Hewett in 1980

Originals Jeffrey Daniel and Jody Watley with third male lead Howard Hewett

Fresh faced Shalamar appear in costumes designed by Jody Watley in 1980, according to an article published in JET Magazine May1, 1980 cover story titled "Shalamar Having Big Fun with Hot Hits"; Watley was the creative for the wardrobe and choreography for the group.

SHALAMAR Having Big Fun With Hot Hits - JET Magazine 1980

Howard Hewett, Jody Watley, Jeffrey Daniel