The Dazz Band
The Dazz Band was the first group out of Cleveland, Ohio to win a Grammy Award for best performance by R&B group or duo for their smash hit “Let it Whip” in 1982. Known for their electrifying R&B/ Funk and soulful ballads, the Dazz Band scored over 20 hits on Billboard's R&B and Pop charts Gold and Platinum albums. Hits like “Let it Whip”, “Swoop”, “Joystick”, “Heartbeat”, “Party Right Here”, “You Are My Starship” and “Let it All Blow” (their biggest UK single) stood the test of time and remain in recurring rotation as millions of fans continue to seek out Dazz Band music online and across the globe.
The Dazz Band (formerly Kinsman Dazz) is led by original Grammy-winning Saxophonist, Songwriter & Producer Bobby Harris who started the group in the late 1970s. In the early 80s the Dazz Band signed with the legendary Motown Records and toured with groups like The Gap Band, Rick James, Kool & the Gang and more. In the 80s & 90’s the Dazz Band performed on popular television shows like Soul Train, Solid Gold, an American Bandstand, and their music continues to be featured in major motion pictures, video games and on television. The Dazz Band released a total of 14 albums on Motown, Geffen, RCA, Intersound and Major Hits Record labels. Bobby Harris credits Producer Reggie Andrews (Patrice Rushen, Rick James, Tyrese) who co-wrote “Let It Whip” for bringing musical stability to the group.
Skip Martin, lead Vocalist and Trumpet player, has been performing with the Dazz Band for a combined total of over 30 years and was also a part of the Grammy Award-winning group in 1982. Skip's voice, combined with masterful trumpet skills and high-level performance skills make him a musical force to be reckoned with. Skip Martin is a MOBO Award recipient who achieved an honorary Doctorate in Music for his talents both vocally and through instrumentation. Skip also spent 15 years as Lead Vocalist for Kool & the Gang and is a Lifetime Achievement Award recipient from the African American Music Association. Skip was also honored with a Living Legend Award from the Black Music Academy.
Guitarist Marlon “The Magician” McClain joined the Dazz Band in 1984 and has been with the group for a combined total of over 30 years. Marlon’s Songwriter, Producer and performance credits include: En Vogue, Toni Braxton, George Clinton, George Benson, Jeff Lorber, Kenny G, Dazz Band, Charlie Wilson, Christine and the Queens and more. Marlon is a self-taught musician who began his professional music journey as guitarist and co-founder of Portland Oregon’s Nationally known group Pleasure. A masterful Guitarist and Producer, Marlon also enjoys developing new artists including his niece Whitney McClain, and his son Marlon II aka “Brando” the internationally known Artist known for his smash hit “Body” with Loud Luxury.
Vocalist Donny Sykes is a native of Los Angeles, California and has traveled the world performing in musical theater and on television with legendary artists from Steve Stevie Wonder to Tyler Perry. A lover of both old school and new school, Donny has performed on stage with Beyoncé and his musical credits include Kanye West Jesus is King and Jesus is Born. Donny is featured on Dazz Band’s most recent release, the soulful ballad entitled “Your Luv” available on all digital platforms.
Award-winning Drummer, Producer and Songwriter Raymond Calhoun returned to the Dazz Band in 2019. Raymond was Drummer on Dazz Band albums “Here We Go Again” in 1993 and “Time Traveler” in 2001. Raymond was also a part of the historic United We Funk Tour (UWF All Stars) organized by Harris and McClain. A native of Washington DC, Calhoun studied music at Howard University before getting his first break with The Manhattans. It was not long after he was discovered by The Gap Band, where he would spend his next 33 years. As a member of The Gap Band Calhoun wrote one of the band signature songs “Outstanding” off their Platinum-selling Gap Band IV. “Outstanding “is one of the most sampled songs in Hip Hop history.
Grammy Award-winning Keyboardist and Vocalist Keith Harrison is back with the Dazz Band and was a member from 1983 to 1993. Keith’s songwriter credits include several of the Dazz Band hits including “Let It All Blow” their biggest UK single. Keith is a native of Dayton, Ohio and was also a member of the band Heatwave and Leader of the band Faze-O prior to joining the Dazz Band. Faze-O’s biggest hit “Riding High” was written by Harrison, and is one of the top ten most sampled songs in Rap history.. sampled by Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube and others.
The Dazz Band is excited to introduce its newest member Alvin Frazier on bass. Alvin caught the attention of Dazz Band management while performing bass on the Dazz Band’s “Don’t Gamble…With My Love” on social media. Alvin hails from Cleveland, Ohio and is a self-taught musician and multi-instrumentalist. He is often referred to as a “Triple Threat” and plays keyboards, guitar, bass, drums and percussion. His guitar licks have been compared to George Benson and Earl Klaugh. Alvin’s performance credits include George Clinton, the Ohio Players, Chanté Moore, Kenny Lattimore, Najee, Angie Stone, Frank McComb, and more.
The Dazz Band continues to reach over 1,000,000 listeners per month on the music industry's largest digital platforms Spotify and Apple Music. The band will be celebrating the 40th Anniversary of “Let It Whip” in 2022 at performances across the US and abroad.