The Tragic Life and End of Shalamar Members

Shalamar, once an iconic American R&B group, rose to fame in the late 1970s and 1980s with hits, style, and unforgettable dance moves. But behind the glitz and glamour, the group’s story is marked by tragedy, internal strife, and heartbreak.

Shalamar was created in 1977 by Dick Griffey and Don Cornelius, the latter being the creator of the famous TV show Soul Train. Initially, Shalamar was not a real group but a studio project.

Their first hit, “Uptown Festival,” used session singers, but its success prompted the formation of an actual group. Early members included Gary Mumford, later replaced by Gerald Brown, and then by Howard Hewett.

Jody Watley and Jeffrey Daniel, dancers from Soul Train, joined and completed the classic lineup.

The trio—Howard, Jody, and Jeffrey—became known for their musical chemistry, trendsetting fashion, and innovative dance routines. Shalamar’s music and style influenced fans worldwide, especially in the UK, where their body-popping moves became a sensation.

The group scored big hits like “Take That to the Bank,” “The Second Time Around,” and “A Night to Remember.”

Despite their success, trouble brewed behind the scenes. Gerald Brown left early on due to payment disputes. Jody Watley, feeling creatively stifled and underappreciated, grew frustrated as her songwriting contributions were largely ignored and Howard received more attention from management.

Tensions escalated when Howard was given a lucrative solo deal without the others’ knowledge, and he began performing under the Shalamar name without Jody and Jeffrey.

Personal relationships also added to the turmoil. Jody and Jeffrey’s off-stage romance turned abusive, with Jody later revealing instances of physical and emotional abuse.

Their backstage fights sometimes spilled onto the stage during performances. The pain of these relationships, combined with professional betrayals, led to Jody’s departure in 1983 after the release of the album “The Look.”

She used a body double in music videos and ultimately walked away, sacrificing financial security for her freedom.

Jody’s gamble paid off. Her solo career soared, earning her Grammy awards and multi-platinum albums. She became a trailblazer in pop and R&B, finally achieving the creative control she craved.

Meanwhile, Shalamar tried to move on with new members, but the original magic was gone. Howard eventually left for a solo career, which, while respectable, never matched Jody’s mainstream success. Jeffrey Daniel returned to dancing, even teaching Michael Jackson the moonwalk and choreographing iconic videos.

The group’s legacy was further complicated by legal battles over the Shalamar name, with Jody eventually winning the trademark in the United States.

Attempts at reunions were met with mixed feelings; old wounds never fully healed, and the original trio never sat down to reconcile.

In later years, Shalamar was honored for their contributions to music and dance, but the story behind the scenes remained bittersweet.

The group’s rise and fall is a testament to both the power and the pitfalls of fame—where success, creative differences, and personal pain collided, leaving a lasting but tragic legacy.