Shalamar is an American R&B and soul music group that formed in 1977 in Los Angeles, California. The group's name is derived from the first two letters of the first names of its founding members - singer and songwriter Howard Hewett, singer Jody Watley, and producer and keyboardist Leon Sylvers III. Over the years, the group has undergone numerous lineup changes but has remained an enduring presence in the R&B music scene.

Shalamar's debut album, "Uptown Festival," was released in 1977 and was a tribute to the Motown sound of the 1960s. The album was a commercial success, reaching number 22 on the US R&B chart, and featured the hit single "Uptown Festival (Part 1)," a medley of classic Motown songs.

The group's second album, "Disco Gardens," was released in 1978 and featured the hit singles "Take That to the Bank" and "Right in the Socket." The album was another commercial success and helped to establish Shalamar as a major force in the disco and R&B music scenes.

Shalamar's lineup changed in 1979 when Watley left the group to pursue a solo career. She was replaced by singer and dancer Delisa Davis, and the group continued to record and perform throughout the 1980s.

In 1982, Shalamar released the album "Friends," which featured the hit singles "A Night to Remember" and "Friends." The album was a commercial and critical success, reaching number 35 on the US Billboard 200 chart and earning a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.

Shalamar's lineup changed again in the mid-1980s when Hewett left the group to pursue a solo career. He was replaced by vocalist and keyboardist Micki Free, and the group continued to record and perform throughout the decade.

In the 1990s and 2000s, Shalamar's lineup continued to change, with various members coming and going. The group continued to release music and tour, but its commercial success declined as the popularity of R&B and soul music waned.

Despite these changes, Shalamar remains an enduring presence in the R&B and soul music scenes, and its legacy has influenced countless artists over the years. With its catchy melodies, infectious rhythms, and powerful vocals, the group has left an indelible mark on the world of music. Add/Complete Bio