The Gap Band was an American R&B and funk band, who rose to fame during the 1970’s and 1980’s. Comprising brothers Charlie, Ronnie and Robert Wilson, the band first formed as the Greenwood, Archer and Pine Street Band in 1967 in their hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The group shortened its name to The Gap Band in 1973. After 43 years together, they retired in 2010.
Oops Upside My Head- 1979
This song is said to be one of the first songs to use hip-hop-styled monologues in a song. The song’s success broke ground for the group, who would go on to become a successful R&B outfit throughout the 1980’s. Today, it remains a popular song in the Gap Band’s stable to this day
Early in The Morning – 1982
This song was redone by Robert Palmer in 1988.
You Dropped A Bomb on Me- 1982
Outstanding – 1982
It is one of their signature songs and biggest hits, reaching the number one spot on the U.S. R&B Singles Chart in February 1983. “Outstanding” peaked at number fifty-one on the Hot 100.
Yearning for Your Love- 1981
The song was markedly different in style from the past few hits, with less emphasis on synthesizers, instead on “light slices of guitar and soft percussion”. It is said Charlie’s smooth baritone take on the song helped the song become influential to contemporary R&B singers such as Keith Sweat, Johnny Gill, Ronald Isley and Gerald Levert.
Humpin -1981