Average White Band

Average White Band defied their modest name by becoming one of the most successful white groups in funk music, blending a fiery sound reminiscent of American R&B hotspots like Detroit and Memphis with their Scottish heritage. The original lineup of the band, consisting of Alan Gorrie, Hamish Stuart, Onnie McIntyre, Malcolm Duncan, Roger Ball, and Robbie McIntosh, gained fame with their hit instrumental "Pick Up the Pieces" in 1974, but faced tragedy with McIntosh's death later that year. Despite this loss, they continued to release successful albums like 1975's Cut the Cake, which featured hits like "If I Ever Lose This Heaven" and "School Boy Crush." The band saw further success with albums like Soul Searching and Benny & Us, collaborating with Ben E. King, before disbanding in 1982, only to reunite in 1989 with a new vocalist for the album Aftershock, followed by releases like Soul Tattoo and Face to Face.

After their breakthrough success with "Pick Up the Pieces," Average White Band continued to produce hits like "Cut the Cake" and "Queen of My Soul," solidifying their reputation as a powerhouse in the funk genre. Despite lineup changes and the dissolution of the band in 1982, members reformed in 1989 to release new music and continue touring. Their influence extended into the hip-hop world in the 1990s, with their music being sampled by producers, showcasing the band's lasting impact on popular music. Through various lineup changes and musical experiments, Average White Band maintained a loyal fan base and continued to push boundaries in the funk and R&B genres.