Babe I love you so, I want you to know … Please don’t go … don’t go.—-
Well, KC and the Sunshine Band, the group that rocked the world with that classic love song (Please Don’t Go), will be coming to treat jazz lovers to a live performance at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium on Saturday, January 26.
Though they have more than 40 years in the music business and many disco and love favourites, the group will be taking the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival stage for the first time.
KC and the Sunshine Band, since announcing their presence on themusic scene in the early ’70s have had some some super love gems which include Yes I’m ready, That’s The Way I Like It, Give It Up, It’s The Same Old Song and Dancing In The Streets.
It is safe to say their reputation precedes them and already their is a buzz surrounding their upcoming performance.
The Sunshine Band was started in 1973 by Harry Wayne Casey (KC), a record store employee and part-timer at TK Records in Miami.
Casey was later introduced to Richard Finch who was doing engineering work on records for TK Records. This was the beginning of the Casey-Finch musical collaboration.
KC began writing songs with Finch, a bassist. Their first record, Blow Your Whistle, was a hit, going as high as 15 on US charts.
The second album, KC & The Sunshine Band, was released in 1975, going triple platinum. On the album were the No. 1 hits Get Down Tonight, That’s The Way (I Like It), Boogie Shoes and Rock Your Baby.
KC & The Sunshine Band became the first act to score four No. 1 pop singles in a 12-month period since the Beatles in 1964.
Since then the group has earned one accolade after another, including selling triple platinum with Part 3, which had hits such as I’m You Boogie Man, Shake Your Booty and Keep it Coming Love.
Songwriting Grammy
KC won a songwriting Grammy in 1976 for Best R&B Song with the hitWhere Is The Love. The Grammy-winning song was recorded by Betty Wright.
That would not be his last victory, as he won Grammys for Album of the Year, as well as Producer of the Year in 1978 for his work on theSaturday Night Fever soundtrack.
In 2001, KC was honoured with the NARAS Governor’s Award, the highest given by a chapter of the Academy.
KC’s music continues to be a favourite today. His songs have appeared in ads for companies like General Motors, Burger King, Payless Shoes, Papa Jon’s Pizza, Old Navy, and Nick at Night. Jazz patrons will get to experience this powerhouse of talent come Saturday, January 26.
Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival will be held from January 24-26 and is sponsored by the Jamaica Tourist Board, Flow, The Gleaner Company Ltd., CVM TV, Knutsford Express and Consumer Brands. Further updates will be provided on www.jamaicajazzandblues.com andhttps://www.facebook.com/jamaicajazzandblues in the coming days.
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