Since their formation in 1973, KC and the Sunshine Band have become one of the most iconic acts in the history of disco and funk music. Originally founded in Miami, Florida by Harry Wayne Casey (KC), the group quickly rose to fame with their hit songs ‘Get Down Tonight’, ‘That’s the Way (I Like It)’ and ‘(Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty’. These songs and others helped to define the sound of the disco era and make KC and the Sunshine Band one of the most celebrated musical acts of the time.
The Early Years of KC and the Sunshine Band
In the early days of the band, KC was a songwriter, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist. He had previously been in a number of bands in Florida, but none of them had achieved the level of success he was looking for. In 1973, he decided to form his own group, which he called KC and the Sunshine Band. He recruited a number of talented musicians to join him, including Richard Finch, Jerome Smith, Robert Johnson, and Fermin Goytisolo. Together, they created a unique sound by blending elements of funk, pop, soul, and disco.
In 1975, KC and the Sunshine Band released their self-titled debut album. The album featured the group’s first two hit singles, ‘Get Down Tonight’ and ‘That’s the Way (I Like It)’. Both songs became smash hits on the US Billboard Hot 100, with ‘Get Down Tonight’ reaching number one and ‘That’s the Way (I Like It)’ reaching number two. The album was an instant success and KC and the Sunshine Band quickly became one of the biggest acts in the music industry.
KC and the Sunshine Band's Height of Fame
In 1976, KC and the Sunshine Band released their second album, ‘Part 3’. The album included their third number one single, ‘(Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty’, as well as the top 10 hits ‘I’m Your Boogie Man’ and ‘Keep It Comin’ Love’. The album was even more successful than their first, earning them a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. In the same year, they released the album ‘KC and the Sunshine Band Greatest Hits’, which featured all of their hit singles to date.
The success of their first three albums propelled the band into superstardom. They toured extensively throughout the US and Europe, and their songs were featured in films and television shows. In 1977, they released their fourth album, ‘The Best of KC and the Sunshine Band’, which featured their fourth number one single, ‘Please Don’t Go’. The band’s popularity continued to grow throughout the late 70s and early 80s, and they released four more albums before disbanding in 1984.
KC and the Sunshine Band's Legacy
Although the band has not released any new music since 1984, their influence on the music industry can still be felt today. Many modern artists have cited them as an influence, and their songs continue to be popular. In 2008, the band was inducted into the Dance Music Hall of Fame, and in 2016, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The group has also been featured in the video game ‘Grand Theft Auto: Vice City’ and performed at the Super Bowl in 2020.
KC and the Sunshine Band have been one of the most influential acts in the history of disco and funk music. Their music has been beloved by generations of fans, and their legacy continues to live on today. They are a testament to the power of music to bring people together, and their music will continue to be enjoyed by listeners for years to come.
