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The Ohio Players

The Ohio Players were an American funk and R&B band, most popular in the 1970s. They are best known for their #1 hit songs Fire and Love Rollercoaster.
Funky and Soulful: A Look into The Ohio Players’ Musical Journey
For many, the name The Ohio Players may not ring a bell, but as soon as their music starts playing, it’s hard not to recognize their groovy and soulful tunes. This American funk and R&B band has been around since the 1960s and has created hits that have stood the test of time and continue to influence today’s music. In this blog post, we’ll be taking a closer look into The Ohio Players’ musical biography, genre, best songs, iconic concerts, and a critic’s opinion on the band.
The Ohio Players’ musical biography dates back to the 1960s in Dayton, Ohio. Initially called The Ohio Untouchables, the band underwent multiple name changes until they settled for The Ohio Players in 1967. Their breakthrough came in the early 1970s with their albums Pain and Pleasure, which featured their signature funk and soulful sound that made them different from other groups at the time. The band continued to release several hit albums throughout the 70s, including Fire, Honey, and Skin Tight, each showcasing their dynamic musicianship and unique sound.
When it comes to the genre of The Ohio Players, it’s hard to pin them down to just one. Their music is a flavorful mix of funk, R&B, soul, and even jazz. Their songs are famous for their catchy basslines, groovy guitar riffs, horns, and, of course, the distinct and powerful vocals of lead singer Sugarfoot Bonner. Their unique sound has paved the way for many of today’s artists, such as Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, and even Drake, who sampled their song Funky Worm in his hit track Hotline Bling.
One of The Ohio Players’ best-known songs is Love Rollercoaster, released in 1975. This song’s catchy beat and captivating lyrics have become a staple in the world of funk and are instantly recognizable. Other notable tracks include Fire, Skin Tight, and I Want to be Free, which all showcase the band’s diverse sound and exceptional musicianship. The Ohio Players’ fanbase spans generations, and their music continues to inspire and captivate listeners worldwide.
When it comes to iconic concerts, The Ohio Players’ performance at The Summit in Houston, Texas, in 1975 takes the cake. Their electrifying show featured explosions, pyrotechnics, and even a helicopter hovering above the stage, making for a night to remember. The energy and excitement of their live performances translated into their music, making them one of the most influential and prominent acts of their time.
In terms of critical acclaim, The Ohio Players have earned multiple accolades for their music. In 1997, they were inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame, acknowledging their contribution to the genre. A critic once described the band’s sound as a blend of funk, R&B, and soulful balladry with most genres covered with creative-but-classy studio gloss. This unique sound has left a lasting impression on the music industry and will continue to inspire musicians for generations to come.
The Ohio Players’ musical journey continues to captivate music lovers to this day. Their unique and flavorful sound paved the way for many artists and continues to be an essential aspect of the funk and R&B genres. With their iconic hits, legendary concerts, and critical acclaim, The Ohio Players are undoubtedly a band that should be on everyone’s playlist.

LISTEN THE BEST THE OHIO PLAYERS SONGS IN STREAMING

Next Concert
2024-05-17 h: 19:30
Fairplex
Los Angeles (LA), US
buy-ticket
2022-01-01

The Legacy of The Ohio Players: Exploring the Good and the Criticisms

The Ohio Players have been creating some of the most iconic and groundbreaking music for over five decades, making them undeniable legends in the world of funk and R&B. From their 1977 high charting hit single Love Rollercoaster to classic bops like Fire, it's hard to deny how big an impact this group has had on generations of music listeners. And although we may love their funky beats and smooth lyrics, there are also criticisms that go along with any artist as big as The Ohio Players - so let's dive into both sides and look at something critical and something good about this legendary musical group!

The Ohio Players have cemented their place in music history with their distinctive funk and R&B sound that has captivated audiences for over half a century. They have produced numerous hits that remain classics to this day. But as with any influential artist, their success and impact are not without criticisms. In this blog post, let's delve into both sides of the Ohio Players' story and examine their good and not so good legacies.

The Good: What has made the Ohio Players so enduring and their legacy so powerful is the sheer brilliance of their music. They are regarded as pioneers in funk music, skillfully blending funk with soul, jazz, and rock to create a unique sound that had never been heard before. Their music is characterized by its bright horns, tight grooves, and powerful vocals.

The Ohio Players were also known for their performances, each one full of energy, passion, and a deep appreciation for their craft. They were able to create an electric atmosphere that left audiences enthralled with their music.

Their legacy has continued through the artists they have influenced and inspired. Many musicians, particularly in the funk and R&B genres, have cited the Ohio Players as one of their main inspirations, including Prince, George Clinton, and Rick James.

The Criticisms: Like any widely known artist, the Ohio Players have faced criticisms throughout their career. One of the major criticisms they faced was that their lyrics were too sexual and objectified women. Songs such as Love Rollercoaster and Skin Tight are examples of songs that contain sexually suggestive lyrics that some found offensive.

Another criticism was that the Ohio Players did not receive the recognition they deserved. Despite being widely known and respected in the music industry, they have only received one Grammy nomination throughout their career, which many believe was long overdue.

The controversy surrounding their hit single Love Rollercoaster is also something they faced. There have been rumors that the scream heard in the background of the song during the bridge is an actual woman screaming as she was being murdered. However, the band has denied any involvement in such an event.

The Ohio Players are without a doubt one of the most iconic and influential musical groups in history. Their unique sound and unforgettable performances have left an indelible mark on the music industry. While they have faced criticisms throughout their career, their undeniable talent and impact have made them legends in their field. The Ohio Players' legacy continues to inspire generations of music lovers, and their influence is still heard in the music of today.
Tag: The Ohio Players, music artist, best songs, artist career
SONGS OF THE OHIO PLAYERS - THE BEST SONGS OF THE ARTIST
1 - Love Rollercoaster
2 - Skin Tight
3 - Fopp
4 - Heaven Must Be Like This
5 - What The Hell
6 - Over The Rainbow
7 - Fire
8 - Funky Worm
9 - Sweet Sticky Thing
10 - I Want To Be Free
11 - Ecstasy
12 - Who'd She Coo?
13 - Jive Turkey
14 - O-h-i-o
15 - Here Today And Gone Tomorrow
16 - Body Vibes
17 - Far East Mississippi
18 - Honey
19 - Who'd She Coo
20 - It's All Over
21 - Summertime
22 - Pain
23 - Pride And Vanity
24 - Ain't Givin' Up No Ground
25 - Together
26 - Don't Say Goodbye
27 - Good Luck Charm
28 - Alone
29 - Climax
30 - Streakin' Cheek To Cheek
31 - Find Someone To Love
32 - What It Is
33 - Only A Child Can Love
34 - Take De Funk Off, Fly
35 - Our Love Has Died
36 - Angel
37 - Feel The Beat (everybody Disco)
38 - Funk-o-nots
39 - Smoke
40 - Pleasure
41 - Runnin' From The Devil
42 - Feelin' Alright
43 - Let's Do It
44 - Players Balling (players Doin' Their Own Thing)
45 - Time Slips Away
46 - Trespassin'
47 - A Thing Called Love
DISCOGRAPHY OF THE OHIO PLAYERS
1988: Back
1984: Graduation
1982: Ouch!
1981: Tenderness
1977: Angel
1975: Honey
1974: Climax
1974: Fire
1974: Skin Tight
1973: Ecstasy
1972: Pleasure
1971: Pain

THE OHIO PLAYERS: NEXT EVENTS

Concert
2024-05-17 h: 19:30
Fairplex
Los Angeles (LA), US
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Concert
2024-08-02 h: 19:30
Ohio State Fairgrounds & Expo Center
Columbus, US
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