The Commodores

The Commodores is an American soul/funk band, which was at its peak in the late 1970s through the mid 1980s. The members of the group met as mostlyfreshmen at Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University) in 1968, and signed with Motown in November 1972, having first caught the public eye opening for The Jackson 5 while on tour.
The group's most successful period was in the late 1970s and early 1980s when Lionel Richie was co-lead singer. The band's biggest hit singles are ballads such as "Easy", "Three Times a Lady", and "Nightshift"; and funky dance hits which include "Brick House", "Fancy Dancer", "Lady (You Bring Me Up)", and "Too Hot ta Trot". However it was in 1986 that the Commodores won their first Grammy for the song "Nightshift".
== Band history ==
The Commodores originally came together from two former groups, the Mystics and the Jays. There was even a Jazz aspect to one of the groups.[1] They wanted to change the name. Together, a six-man band was created from which the notable individuals were Lionel Richie,Thomas McClary, and William King from the Mystics; Andre Callahan, Michael Gilbert, and Milan Williams were from the Jays. To choose a new name, William "WAK" King opened a dictionary and randomly picked a word. "We lucked out", he remarked with a laugh when telling this story to People magazine. "We almost became 'The Commodes![2]
The band originated while its members attended Tuskegee University in Alabama. After winning the university's annual freshman talent contest, they played at fraternity parties as well as a weekend gig at the Black Forest Inn, one of a few clubs in Tuskegee that catered to college students. They performed mostly cover tunes and some original songs with their first singer, James Ingram (not the famous solo artist). Ingram, older than the rest of the band, left to serve active duty inVietnam, and was later replaced by Walter "Clyde" Orange, who would write or co-write many of their hit tunes. Lionel Richie and Orange alternated as lead singers. (Orange was the lead singer on the Top 10 hits "Brick House" and "Nightshift".)
The Commodores made a brief appearance in the 1978 film Thank God It's Friday. They performed the song "Too Hot ta Trot" during the dance contest; the songs "Brick House" and "Easy" were also played during the movie.
"Machine Gun", the instrumental title track from the band's debut album, became a staple at American sporting events,[citation needed] and is similarly featured in many films, including Boogie Nights and Looking for Mr. Goodbar. It reached No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1975. Another instrumental, "Cebu" (named after an island in the Philippines), later became a staple[by whom?] in the Quiet storm format. Three albums released in 1975 and 1976 (Caught in the Act, Movin' On, and Hot On The Tracks) are considered[by whom?] the peak of their harder funk period. After those recordings the group started to move towards a softer sound. That move was hinted at in their 1976 Top Ten hits "Sweet Love" and "Just to Be Close to You". In 1977 the Commodores released "Easy", which became the group's biggest hit yet, reaching No. 4 in the U.S., followed by "Brick House", also top 5, both from their album The Commodores, as was "Zoom". The group reached No. 1 in 1978 with "Three Times a Lady". In 1979 the Commodores scored another top-five ballad, "Sail On", before reaching the top of the charts once again with another ballad, "Still". In 1981 they released two top-ten hits with "Oh No" (No. 4) and their first upbeat single in almost five years, "Lady (You Bring Me Up)" (No. 8).
In 1982, Lionel Richie left to pursue a solo career. A transition that was smooth but slow, Richie's departure was evident after it was mentioned to the band why his distinct sound would ever be a part of The Commodores; Skyler Jett replaced Richie as co-lead singer. Also in 1982, their manager Benjamin Ashburn who also managed another band Platinum Hookdied of a heart attack aged 54.[3]
Band performance in Florida, 2006
Over time, several founding members left - McClary left in 1983 (shortly after Richie) to pursue a solo career and to develop a gospel music company. McClary was replaced by guitarist-vocalist Sheldon Reynolds while LaPread left in 1986 and moved to Auckland, New Zealand and Reynolds departed for Earth, Wind & Fire in 1987, which prompted trumpeter William "WAK" King to take over primary guitar duties for live performances. Keyboardist Milan Williams exited the band in 1989 after allegedly refusing to tour South Africa.
The group also gradually abandoned its funk roots and moved into the more commercial pop arena. In 1984 former Heatwave singer James Dean "J.D." Nicholas assumed co-lead vocal duties with drummer Walter Orange. The band remained hitless until 1985 when their finalMotown album, Nightshift, produced by Dennis Lambert—all prior albums were produced by James Anthony Carmichael)—delivered the Grammy Award-winning title track "Nightshift" (No. 3 in the U.S.). It was a tribute to Marvin Gaye and Jackie Wilson. In 2010 a new version was recorded, dedicated to Michael Jackson.[4] The Commodores were on a European tour performing at Wembley Arena, London, on June 25, 2009, when they walked off the stage after they were told that Michael Jackson had died. Initially the band thought it was a hoax. However, back in their dressing rooms they received confirmation and broke down in tears. The next night in Birmingham's NIA Arena, J.D. Nicholas added Jackson's name into the lyrics of the song, and thenceforth the Commodores have mentioned Jackson and other deceased R&B singers. Thus came the inspiration upon the one-year anniversary of Jackson's death, to re-record, with new lyrics, the hit song "Nightshift" as a tribute. "Nightshift" won The Commodores their first Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals in 1985.
In 1990 the Commodores formed Commodores Records and re-recorded their 20 greatest hits as Commodores Hits Vol. I & II. They have recorded a live album Commodores Live! along with a DVD of the same name, and a Christmas album titledCommodores Christmas. In 2012, the band was working on new material, some contributions written by current and former members.
The Commodores now consist of Walter "Clyde" Orange, James Dean "J.D." Nicholas, and William "WAK" King, along with their five-piece band, known as the "Mean Machine". The group continues to perform, playing at arenas, theaters, and festivals around the world.
== Personnel ==
	This section does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (August 2015)
===Current members===
* William "WAK" King – trumpet, rhythm guitar, synthesizer (1968–present)*
* Walter Orange – vocals, drums, keyboards (1972–present)*
* James Dean "J.D." Nicholas – vocals, keyboards (1984–present)
===Former members===
* Milan Williams – keyboards, trombone, rhythm guitar (1968–1989)*
* Thomas McClary – lead guitar (1968–1983)*
* Lionel Richie – vocals, saxophone, piano, drums (1968–1982)*
* Ronald LaPread – bass guitar, trumpet (1970–1986)*
* Andre Callahan – vocals, drums, keyboards (1968–1970)
* Michael Gilbert – bass guitar, trumpet (1968–1970)
* James Ingram – vocals, drums keyboards (1970–1972)
* Skyler Jett – vocals, saxophone, piano, drums (1982–1984)
* Sheldon Reynolds – lead guitar (1983–1987)
* Eugene Ward (keyboards) 1968–1970
* Mikael Manley (lead guitarist) 1995–2005
* Original member
== Discography ==
=== Albums ===
Year 	Album 	Peak chart positions 	Peak chart positions 	Peak chart positions
Year 	Album 	US 	UK 	US R&B
1974 	Machine Gun 	138 	— 	22
1975 	Caught in the Act 	26 	— 	7
1975 	Movin' On 	29 	— 	7
1976 	Hot on the Tracks 	12 	— 	1
1976 	Rise Up 	— 	— 	—
1977 	Commodores (a.k.a. Zoom in the UK) 	3 	— 	1
1977 	Commodores Live! 	3 	60 	2
1978 	Natural High 	3 	8 	1
1979 	Greatest Hits 	23 	— 	24
1979 	Midnight Magic 	3 	15 	1
1980 	Heroes 	7 	50 	3
1981 	In the Pocket 	13 	70 	4
1982 	All the Great Hits 	— 	— 	—
1983 	Uprising 	— 	— 	—
1983 	Commodores 13 	103 	— 	26
1984 	All the Great Love Songs 	— 	— 	—
1985 	Nightshift 	12 	13 	1
1985 	There's a Song in my Heart 	— 	— 	—
1986 	United 	101 	— 	17
1986 	Flying High 	— 	— 	—
1988 	Rock Solid 	101 	— 	—
1992 	Commodores Christmas 	— 	— 	—
1993 	No Tricks 	— 	— 	—
"—" denotes releases that did not chart	"—" denotes releases that did not chart	"—" denotes releases that did not chart	"—" denotes releases that did not chart	"—" denotes releases that did not chart
=== Singles ===
Year 	Single 	Peak chart positions[5][6] 	Peak chart positions[5][6] 	Peak chart positions[5][6] 	Peak chart positions[5][6] 	Peak chart positions[5][6] 	Album 	 	
Year 	Single 	US 	US R&B 	US Dance 	US AC 	UK 	Album 	 	
1974 	"Machine Gun" 	22 	7 	— 	— 	20 	Machine Gun 	 	
1974 	"The Zoo (The Human Zoo)" 	— 	— 	— 	— 	44 	Machine Gun 	 	
1974 	"I Feel Sanctified" 	75 	12 	— 	— 	— 	Machine Gun 	 	
1975 	"Slippery When Wet" 	19 	1 	— 	— 	— 	Caught in the Act 	 	
1975 	"This Is Your Life" 	— 	13 	— 	— 	— 	Caught in the Act 	 	
1976 	"Sweet Love" 	5 	2 	— 	— 	32 	Movin' On 	 	
1976 	"Just to Be Close to You" 	7 	1 	— 	— 	62 	Hot on the Tracks 	 	
1977 	"Fancy Dancer" 	39 	9 	33 	— 	— 	Hot on the Tracks 	 	
1977 	"Easy" 	4 	1 	— 	— 	9 	The Commodores 	 	
1977 	"Brick House" 	5 	4 	34 	— 	32 	The Commodores 	 	
1977 	"Zoom" 	— 	— 	— 	— 	38 	The Commodores 	 	
1978 	"Too Hot ta Trot" 	24 	1 	— 	— 	38 	The Commodores Live! 	 	
1978 	"Three Times a Lady" 	1 	1 	— 	1 	1 	Natural High 	 	
1978 	"Flying High" 	38 	21 	— 	— 	37 	Natural High 	 	
1979 	"Sail On" 	4 	8 	— 	9 	8 	Midnight Magic 	 	
1979 	"Still" 	1 	1 	— 	6 	4 	Midnight Magic 	 	
1980 	"Wonderland" 	25 	21 	— 	— 	40 	Midnight Magic 	 	
1980 	"Old-Fashion Love" 	20 	8 	— 	— 	— 	Heroes 	 	
1980 	"Heroes" 	54 	27 	— 	— 	— 	Heroes 	 	
1980 	"Jesus Is Love" 	— 	34 	— 	— 	— 	Heroes 	 	
1981 	"Lady (You Bring Me Up)" 	8 	5 	— 	— 	56 	In the Pocket 	 	
1981 	"Oh No" 	4 	5 	— 	5 	44 	In the Pocket 	 	
1982 	"Why You Wanna Try Me" 	66 	42 	— 	— 	— 	In the Pocket 	 	
1982 	"Lucy" 	— 	— 	— 	— 	— 	In the Pocket 	 	
1982 	"Painted Picture" 	70 	19 	— 	— 	— 	All the Great Hits 	 	
1983 	"Reach High" 	— 	— 	— 	— 	— 	All the Great Hits 	 	
1983 	"Only You" 	54 	20 	— 	8 	— 	Commodores 13 	 	
1984 	"Turn Off the Lights" 	— 	— 	— 	— 	— 	Commodores 13 	 	
1985 	"Nightshift" 	3 	1 	6 	2 	3 	Nightshift 	 	
1985 	"Animal Instinct" 	43 	22 	9 	— 	74 	Nightshift 	 	
1985 	"Janet" 	87 	65 	— 	8 	— 	Nightshift 	 	
1986 	"Goin to the Bank" 	65 	2 	— 	— 	43 	United 	 	
1987 	"Take It from Me" 	— 	38 	— 	— 	— 	United 	 	
1987 	"United in Love" 	— 	— 	— 	22 	— 	United 	 	
1988 	"Solitaire" 	— 	51 	— 	— 	— 	Rock Solid 	 	
1988 	"Homeless" 	— 	— 	— 	— 	— 	Rock Solid 	 	
1988 	"Grrip" 	— 	— 	— 	— 	— 	Rock Solid 	 	
1993 	"Everything Reminds Me of You" 	— 	— 	— 	— 	— 	No Tricks 	 	
"—" denotes releases that did not chart	"—" denotes releases that did not chart	"—" denotes releases that did not chart	"—" denotes releases that did not chart	"—" denotes releases that did not chart	"—" denotes releases that did not chart	"—" denotes releases that did not chart	"—" denotes releases that did not chart	"—" denotes releases that did not chart	"—" denotes releases that did not chart
== Accolades ==
Among multiple Grammy Award nominations, they won a Grammy for "Nightshift" in 1986. In 2003, they were inducted into The Vocal Group Hall of Fame.
Grammy Awards
Year	Category 	Work 	Result 	1978	Best Rhythm & Blues Vocal Performance – Duo, Group Or Chorus	"Easy"	Nominated
1979	"Natural High" 	Nominated 	 	 	Best Rhythm & Blues Vocal Performance – Duo, Group Or Chorus	 	
1979	Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group 	"Three Times A Lady" 	Nominated	 	 	 	
1980	Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group 	"Sail On" 	Nominated	 	 	 	
1980	Best Rhythm & Blues Vocal Performance – Duo, Group Or Chorus	"Midnight Magic" 	Nominated	 	 	 	
1981	Best Rhythm & Blues Vocal Performance – Duo, Group Or Chorus	"Heroes" 	Nominated	 	 	 	
1981	Best Inspirational Performance 	"Jesus Is Love" 	Nominated	 	 	 	
1982	Best Rhythm & Blues Vocal Performance – Duo, Group Or Chorus	"Lady (you Bring Me Up)"	Nominated	 	 	 	
1986	Best Rhythm & Blues Vocal Performance – Duo, Group Or Chorus	"Nightshift" 	Won 	 	 	 	
== References ==
Notes
# Jump up^ The Montreal Gazette September 25, 1980 Page 83, Commodores sail to the top, Record Sales now total 25 million By Steve Pond
# Jump up^ Motown Encyclopedia by By Graham Betts The Commodores
# Jump up^ The Afro American September 11, 1982 - Page 13 - What's Happening IDA PETERS
# Jump up^ Commodores Re-record "Nightshift" As MJ Tribute
# Jump up^ "Allmusic ((( Commodores > Charts & Awards > Billboard Singles )))".
# Jump up^ "Chart Stats – The Commodores". chartstats.com. Retrieved January 19, 2010.
== External links ==
Category:Musical groups established in 1968
Category:American dance music groups
Category:American funk musical groups
Category:American soul musical groups
Category:Musical groups from Alabama
Category:Motown artists
Category:African-American musical groups