AccuRadio Song Of The Day-The Ohio Players

Artist:The Ohio Players
Song:Love Rollercoaster
Album:20th Century Masters: The Millenium Collection: The Best of the Ohio Players





The Ohio Players were around for a long time before they became one of the top funk groups of the 70s. Love Rollercoaster was one of two songs that topped the Billboard Hot 100. They started out in Dayton, OH in 1959 as The Ohio Untouchables led by singer Robert Ward along with guitarist Clarence "Satch" Satchell, drummer Cornelius Johnson and trumpeter Ralph "Pee Wee" Middlebrooks. They moved to Detroit and backed up The Falcons on the hit I Found A Love. But Ward left just when they were starting to record their own music in 1963. Ward would be rediscovered in the 90s as a blues artist. Middlebrooks and Jones went back to Dayton and added guitarist Leroy "Sugarfoot" Bonner, sax player Andrew Noland and drummer Gary Webster. In 1967, singers Bobby Lee Fears and Dutch Robinson were added and the band was renamed The Ohio Players. They became house band for Compass Records. But that company went broke and The Ohio Players recorded a couple of moderately successful albums for Capitol. They disbanded in 1970 with Robinson and Fears going solo. But the remaining members reformed and added keyboard player Walter "Junie" Morrison, trumpeter Bruce Napier and trombonist Marvin Pierce. With an obvious nod to Sly & The Family Stone, th nasal voiced Bonner was made lead singer. They had some success on the R & B charts with albums on Westbound. Then they signed with Mercury Records in 1974. Morrison left to join Parliament and was replaced by Billy Beck and Jimmy "Diamond" Williams replaced Webster. The Ohio Players became regulars on the R & B and dance charts. But Fire and Love Rollercoaster were their only two number one pop hits. You can get all their hits on this budget comp. The Ohio Players faded in the late 70s. James Williams and Billy Beck left and formed the group Shadow. Clarence Satchell died in 1995 and Ralph Middlebrooks died in 1996. A version of The Ohio Players still tours today. Here are The Ohio Players performing Love Rollercoaster on The Midnight Special 1975.