Shalamar Golden Anniversary | 1976 – 2026
Shalamar was created in 1976 by Don Cornelius, the visionary behind TV’s Soul Train, and Dick Griffey, the show’s talent chief. The project began in Los Angeles with session singers recording “Uptown Festival (Part 1 & 2)”, a disco medley of Motown classics released later that year on Soul Train Records. The single brought Motown melodies to the dancefloor with a modern disco beat. By 1977, “Uptown Festival” had become an international hit, reaching #25 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #10 on the UK Singles Chart.
Riding this success, Griffey recognized that Shalamar needed recognizable faces to connect with fans. He recruited popular Soul Train dancer Jeffrey Daniel and together they auditioned and recruited Jody Watley, along with vocalist Gary Mumford (later replaced by Gerald Brown). From that point forward, Cornelius remained focused on the television show, stepping back from the record label which Griffey subsequently renamed Solar Records.
In 1978, Jeffrey invited Howard Hewett to join as the new lead singer, solidifying the classic lineup. With their smooth vocals, dazzling dance moves, and trendsetting style, Shalamar became one of the defining R&B groups of the late ’70s and ’80s — a legacy now celebrating 50 years strong.
Today, Howard Hewett and Jeffrey Daniel — both from the classic 1982 lineup — continue to deliver their distinctive performances, joined by Carolyn Griffey, daughter of Solar Records founder Dick Griffey. Carolyn has been the female lead since 2001, making her the longest-serving female member of the group.
In 2023, Shalamar were honored with a stone on the Camden Music Walk of Fame and named Soul Act of the Year at the Boisdale Awards. Backed by a powerhouse seven-piece band, they are guaranteed festival headliners and crowd pleasers wherever they go.
Showing no signs of slowing down, Shalamar have taken their dazzling shows across the world, thrilling audiences in South Africa, Mozambique, Nigeria, Holland, the USA, UK, Spain, Portugal, France, Ireland — and beyond. The GOLD TOUR will be a monumental celebration of their place in music history.
