The Gap Band

The Gap Band, formed by brothers Charlie, Ronnie, and Robert Wilson, emerged from obscurity to become a prominent funk group in the late '70s and 1980s. Hailing from Tulsa, Oklahoma, they produced 15 Top Ten R&B singles with a distinct sound that blended ferocious funk anthems and soulful slow jams. Spanning nearly two decades, their hits like "Burn Rubber (Why You Wanna Hurt Me)" and "You Dropped a Bomb on Me" showcased Charlie's powerful lead vocals and memorable synthesizer basslines.

Raised in a musical household in Tulsa, the Wilson brothers honed their skills in their father's church and through mandatory music lessons. Forming the Gap Band after a fortuitous encounter, they gained momentum performing in local venues before relocating to Los Angeles. Signing with Lonnie Simmons' Total Experience label, the band found success with albums like The Gap Band III and a string of chart-topping R&B hits throughout the '80s. Despite a slowdown in the '90s, Charlie Wilson pursued a solo career and collaborated with various artists, while the passing of Robert and Ronnie Wilson marked the end of an era for the influential group.