April 23, 1974: The Ohio Players release their first #1 album
One of the funkiest groups in the funkiest decade, the Ohio Players became the template for a generation of Midwest jamming groups. And on this day in 1974, the group finally hit big time pay dirt, releasing their signature album and their first #1 disc, the iconic Skin Tight.
Formed in Dayton in 1959 as the Ohio Untouchables, the group initially included members Robert Ward (vocals/guitar), Marshall "Rock" Jones (bass), Clarence "Satch" Satchell (saxophone/guitar), Cornelius Johnson (drums), and Ralph "Pee Wee" Middlebrooks (trumpet/trombone). When Ward, the group leader, broke the act up in the early 60s, the remaining members reformed with additions Gary Webster (drums) and the auspicious young guitarist, Leroy "Sugarfoot" Bonner, and later added trumpeter Bruce Napier, trombonist Marvin Pierce, and keyboardist Walter "Junie" Morrison.
April 23, 1974: The Ohio Players release their first #1 album
One of the funkiest groups in the funkiest decade, the Ohio Players became the template for a generation of Midwest jamming groups. And on this day in 1974, the group finally hit big time pay dirt, releasing their signature album and their first #1 disc, the iconic Skin Tight.
Formed in Dayton in 1959 as the Ohio Untouchables, the group initially included members Robert Ward (vocals/guitar), Marshall "Rock" Jones (bass), Clarence "Satch" Satchell (saxophone/guitar), Cornelius Johnson (drums), and Ralph "Pee Wee" Middlebrooks (trumpet/trombone). When Ward, the group leader, broke the act up in the early 60s, the remaining members reformed with additions Gary Webster (drums) and the auspicious young guitarist, Leroy "Sugarfoot" Bonner, and later added trumpeter Bruce Napier, trombonist Marvin Pierce, and keyboardist Walter "Junie" Morrison.
The Ohio Players signed with the Detroit-based Westbound label in 1971 and began a string of three successful albums, each punctuated by a loose, funky sound and erotic album covers that brought added attention. They hit with the single "Pain," and became an R&B staple. However, upon their signing with with Mercury Records in 1974 and the addition of keyboardist Billy Beck and drumer Jimmy Williams, they reached new heights.
Skin Tight brought a cleaner, more distinctive sound to the group, and, with its funky sounds and long tracks, appeared to be tailor made for the musical, jazz-influenced sound that was developing in R&B. The album featured only six songs, but they were doozies, including “Jive Turkey,” the hit title track, and a now classic love song, “Heaven Must Be Like This.” The album sold more than the group's previous four albums combined, ultimately hitting #1 on both the R&B and Pop charts.
The Ohio Players would go on to create several smash albums and songs over the next decade, but it was Skin Tight that rightfully made them stars. Check it out again below.
By Chris Rizik