Biography
We Are The Ohio Players
The Ohio Players came into musical prominence in the 1970’s as pioneers of street funk and underground R&B. After signing with Mercury Records in 1974 through 1977 The Ohio Players landed three consecutive platinum albums “Skin Tight, “Fire”, and “Honey”. Two number one singles on the billboard pop charts “Fire” and “Love Rollercoaster” and five number one R&B singles “Funky Worm”,”Fire”,”Sweet Sticky Thing”, “Love Rollercoaster,” and “Who’d She Coo”.
The Ohio Players traveled the world and produced more than a dozen albums and received 14 gold and platinum awards for their accomplishments. They have also appeared on many national television programs from Dick Clark, Don Kushner, to David Letterman. They are widely regarded as one of the most influential and innovative funk bands of all time. Their music has been sampled and covered by numerous artists, such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Salt-N-Pepa, Puff Daddy, Sound Garden, Too Short, Paul Jackson Jr., Alex Bugnon, Aaliyah, and Beyoncé just to name a few... The group has also been featured in several documentaries, books, and films, such as Standing in the Shadows of Motown, Soul Train: The Movie, Superfly.
& many more...
Currently the band consists of (10) members (3)of which are original members. James “Diamond” Williams (Drums), Billy Beck (Keyboard), Clarence Willis (Lead Guitar). One might think the band members could now sit back, and count their gold and platinum records, enjoy the memories and fade into an easy retirement. Nothing could be further from the truth.
These guys have maintained to keep busy and have been entertaining crowds of people all over the world who sing their songs and dance to the melodies and funky grooves. The summer of 2009 the group played several engagements just to mention a few. In Louisville Ky. Fourth of July with a crowd 40,000 (+) that endured the rain and stayed to listen despite the weather, Washington D.C. at the Carter Barron, Several Casino’s, and Also the Indianapolis 500 Ball, and the Indianapolis 500 Parade with over 300,000 in attendance. These dates are just a few that stick out.
The Ohio Players today are one of the few bands from the 70’s era who still currently performs all of their music using no computers or samplers to enhance their musical production. The Ohio Players are thankful for still having a large loyal fan base who come to the shows and are still enthusiastic to hear the original sounds from the 70’s.
After 50+yrs in the business this group is still setting stages on “Fire” and riding their own “Love Rollercoaster”.