The Ohio Players came into musical prominence in the 1970s 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, produced more than a dozen albums and received 14 gold and platinum awards for their labor. They also appeared on many national television programs, from Dick Clark Don Kushner to David Letterman. Since then, there is a long list of Artists who have sampled or re-recorded their material to list a few: Snoop Dogg, Puff Daddy, Salt & Pepper, Too Short, Sound garden, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Paul Jackson Jr., and Alex Bugnon.
Currently, the band consists of (10) members (3) of which are original members. James “Diamond” Williams (Drums), Billy Beck (Keyboard), and 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 of 40,000 (+) that endured the rain and stayed to listen despite the weather, Washington D.C. at the Carter Barron, Several Casinos, and Also the Indianapolis 500 Ball, and also 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 perform 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 70s.
After 48yrs in the business, this group is still setting stages on “Fire” and riding their own “Love Rollercoaster.”
