Champaign: Biography

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• The Manhattans
• The Jets
• Atlantic Starr
• The Whispers
• Midnight Star
• Jackie Wilson
• James Ingram

• Dana Walden
• Michael Day
• Rocky Maffitt

Formed:

Jan 1, 1981 in Champaign, IL

Genres:

R&B and Soul Music, Contemporary R&B Music, Rock Music, Adult Contemporary Rock Music

Decades Active:

1980's|1990's

Champaign took its name from its home city of Champaign, IL. The group was an interracial septet comprising singers Pauli Carman and Rena Jones, guitarist Howard Reeder, keyboardists Michael Day and Dana Walden, bassist Michael Reed, and percussionist Rocky Maffitt. They hit a commercial peak with their 1981 debut album, How 'Bout Us, whose title track was a hit single (Top Five in the U.K. and on the U.S. RB chart). Followups included Modern Heart (1983) (which includes the Top Ten RB hit "Try Again") and Woman in Flames (1984), featuring the RB Top Ten hit "Off and On Love." William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide