Kool & The Gang and Commodores

The Commodores, formed at Alabama's Tuskegee Institute, are famous for R&B hits like "Easy" and "Brickhouse." Collaborating with Lionel Richie, they achieved seven No. 1 hits and numerous Top Tens. Their Grammy-winning "Nightshift" honored Marvin Gaye and Jackie Wilson. Originally with Motown, they later joined Polydor.

Formed in Jersey City in the mid-'60s, Kool & the Gang, led by Robert "Kool" Bell, became R&B icons with hits like "Celebration" and "Jungle Boogie." Their jazz-influenced funk sound earned them numerous Top 40 hits and gold or platinum albums, including Ladies' Night and Emergency. Collaborating with producer Eumir Deodato, they achieved great success in the '80s. They continued to tour and release music, collaborating with younger artists and maintaining a prominent influence in the music world over decades.