Biography
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Years Active
1980 – 1985 (5 years)
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Founded In
Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio, United States
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Members
- Chris Jones (1980 – 1985)
- David Shawn Sandridge
- Dean Hummons
- Jennifer Matthews-Colter (1982 – present)
- Jenny Douglas-Foote (1980 – 1981)
Dayton was a funk band formed in Dayton, Ohio, USA by Chris Jones (trumpet/keyboards/vocals) of the band Sun and Shawn Sandridge (guitar/vocals) from Over Night Low. Derrick Armstrong (vocals), Kevin Hurt (drums/percussion), Jennifer Matthews (vocals) and Rachel Beavers (vocals) completed the line up. Former Sun member Dean Hummons played the keyboards on the first two Dayton albums as well.
The group signed to Liberty Records in 1980 and soon released their self-titled debut album which included the memorable track “Eyes On You”. Dayton was highly respected and also toured with such musicians as Ashford & Simpson, Quincy Jones and Stephanie Mills. They recorded a second Liberty album, Cutie Pie, in 1981. Guest musicians included James "Diamond" Williams , Keith Harrison , Clarence "Chet" Willis , Billy Beck, Wes Boatman , and Vincent Andrews.
Dayton introduced Rahni Harris as vocalist/keyboard player on their third album “Feel The Music” in 1982 which included the dancefloor classic “The Sound Of Music”. The song “Love You Anyway” was produced by Zapp’s Roger Troutman. Rahni did most of the songwriting and production chores.
The group switched to Capitol Records in 1983 and delivered the album “Hot Fun ”. This record included "Krackity-Krack" with a guest appearance by Bootsy Collins and their hit remake of Sly Stone's "Hot Fun in the Summertime."
They released their last album “This Time” in 1985, also produced by Rahni Harris. It didn’t match to their previous efforts and effectively marked the end of Dayton.
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