For me, and I would guess this goes for most kids who grew up in NE OH during the 80s, I absolutely adore Michael Stanley, and the Michael Stanley Band.
It's just not possible to explain how huge these guys were. They sold out instantly everywhere they performed. They set attendance records at both the Blossom Music Center (where I saw EVERYONE of note) and the former home of the Cavs, the Richfield Coliseum.
MSB. Good lord did I love that band.
This song is essentially Cleveland's anthem.
(no message)
(no message)
(no message)
(no message)
(no message)
(no message)
(no message)
(no message)
(no message)
The War on Drugs
that absolutely blew me away....Stevie R V before he was famous. It was an unbelievable night.
(no message)
(no message)
(no message)
(no message)
Link: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VUXson4xBhk
The Ohio Players
Zapp (Featuring Roger)
Heat Wave
Lakeside
Slave
Faze-O
Outside of Funk I really like The Breeders and Guided by Voices.
Outside of Heat Wave I don't know how many of these were mainstream enough for most people to be familiar with. IMO, the Ohio Players stand above all the others.
(no message)
(no message)
Link: Funk at its best
(no message)
Link: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=I7bV2SRFTi4
He had a gift.
(no message)
Link: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Pkgd3tER1yI
(no message)
(no message)
(no message)
(no message)
(no message)
(no message)
(no message)
Cross between Three Dog Night and The Chambers Brothers. Had a few local singles out that had a little airplay in the area and on WLS in Chicago. Great live band. Of course The Jackson Five was a local band that had some success in my city. Played in talent shows, lounges, and yes, even my HS dance once. Their first release on 45 RPM was "Big Boy" on Steeltown Records in Gary. You can listen to "Big Boy" and "So Is The Sun" by World Column on youtube if interested.
Susanna Hoffs stayed in my building in Hawaii before she joined the Bangles.
Link: https://dqnd2s53vp2ic.cloudfront.net/crop/74/d5/600x600/susanna-hoffs_then.jpg
(no message)
(no message)
Link: Great band.