The Blackbyrds USA
Charles B Wright (g), Joseph S. Hall III (bg), Marshall Keys (sax), Paul Spires (back-voc), Dominique Toney (back-voc), Sean Anthony (perc), Thaddeus L. Wilson (tp), Roberto Villeda (kbd), Keith Killgo (dms, voc)
With iconic hits like "Walking In Rhythm," "Happy Music," and "Rock Creek Park" in their discography, The Blackbyrds are undeniably a cornerstone of a generation’s music. Founded in 1973 by trumpeter and educator Dr. Donald Byrd, the band enjoyed a prolific period until the late 1970s before reforming in the 1990s. Their distinctive blend of jazz, funk, and disco has inspired generations of hip-hop artists, including Tupac, NAS, and MF Doom, who heavily sampled their timeless classics. After celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2023, the group continues to tour, featuring founding members Keith Killgo and Joe Hall alongside other outstanding instrumentalists.
