Founder of the Dance Revolution

Today in Music History: November 22, 1975

So often any one of us may be familiar with a band but really don't know the name or the face behind the music. The same is true of individual recording artists. If you were asked whether you like the music of Reginald Kenneth Dwight would you have to stop and think for a moment? Would the reaction be the same if the name Elton John was substituted? What about Chris Gaines? Ever heard of him? Of course you have...he's Garth Brooks' alto ego. Today's spotlight is on a band of world renown but possibly only if the band's name was presented upfront.

 The Leader

Harry Wayne Casey founder of the dance revolution

Back in the day there was no one 'badder' than Harry Wayne Casey. He was leader of a 70s supergroup whose music is still going strong today with songs being covered multiple times by numerous artists. One of Casey's greatest influences was the organ music he heard when he attended church with his family. His mother and sister sang on commercials so he was naturally enveloped with music. As with any upcoming recording artist, a rhythm and personal style had to be established. Harry Wayne Casey's music was the kind of music that got people out of their seats and onto the dance floor. But, it was not Casey alone. The birth of his band not only brought legendary music to the world but also influenced an entire generation.

The Band

Whose music has been featured at EVERY major sporting event in the world including the Super Bowl, World Series, Conference Championships, The NBA, Collegiate Bowl Games National Championship Games, the NASCAR racing Circuit and Championships, The World Cup, The Indianapolis 500, The Kentucky Derby, EVERY Holiday Parade include the famous Macys Thanksgiving Day parade, and the Tournament of Roses Parade, Political Party Conventions, Presidential Campaigns and nearly EVERY wedding, confirmation, and bar mitzvah in the world? 

Whose music has been featured on more than 200 motion picture film soundtracks?

He has been called the "Founder of the Dance Revolution." Source: kcsb.com

 Do you know Harry Wayne Casey? He is founder and leader of  

KC and The Sunshine Band.

 1975 KC and the Sunshine Band started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'That's The Way (I Like It)', the group's second US No.1 of the year, it made No.4 in the UK. The song had already gone to No.1 in R&B in October of the same year.

Songfacts: This was originally recorded in a more risqué manner by KC & The Sunshine Band before lead singer Harry Wayne Casey toned down the "uh-huhs," making them sound like cries of jubilation. As for the "controversial" lyrics, Finch tells us: "We had to tone down the words a little bit, it used to be called 'What You Want.' And I was like, 'No, KC. That's not commercial enough, people aren't gonna figure out what you're saying.' Back then you had to watch what you say. Not like today. People come on the radio and cuss and say all kinds of s--t, but back then, you had to watch yo' mouth. You can be suggestive in a poetic way. It can mean whatever to whoever the listener is, and it doesn't really tie it down to any one thing or gender. So I figured that the more open you keep it, and unresolved, the more people you draw in."

A Bit of Music Trivia...

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  1957 Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel appeared as Tom and Jerry on ABC-TV's American Bandstand. Close friends through childhood, the first time they appeared on stage together was in a school play, Alice in Wonderland (Simon as the White Rabbit, Garfunkel as the Cheshire Cat). They later began performing together in their junior year as Tom and Jerry, with Simon as Jerry Landis and Garfunkel as Tom Graph.

And the music goes on beating to the rhythm of the changing times...