Founded in 1967
The Ohio Players were trailblazers of a virtual Rhythm & Blues empire with its roots in Dayton. This band popularized a specific genre of R&B music known as “Street Funk.” They were the first American band from the Dayton area to go gold with an album earning over a million dollars and the first to go platinum with an album selling a million copies. They were known as the premiere R&B band in the nation during the 1970s, popularizing a distinctive Midwestern sound and reaching an international following with European and Japanese tours. The Ohio Players’ music continues to energize artists of subsequent generations and many young hip-hop musicians cite their influence. Members of The Ohio Players continue to be involved in the community through donations of time and money to local parks, schools, churches, and other worthy charities.