VOTE: THE AWARD FOR THE BEST NON-TRADITIONAL SOUNDING SINGER GOES TO…
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We call them the “ow” guys. They were known for uttering that ‘go to’ vernacular in most of their songs, that seemed to be the big thing in the 70s. All of these guys could belt out a rough up-tempo song and still be rough on smooth ballads and the ladies loved it.

1. Sugarfoot (Ohio Players)

The Ohio Players and their main man, the late, great “Sugarfoot”(Leroy Bonner). “Fire” and “Love Rollercoaster” were two of the big hits that Sugar laid it down on. Remember “Skin Tight”? ‘You a bad bad lady in those skin tight britches. Running folks in the ditches.’ NOBODY sounded like him, even though he was a part of the “ow” guys. You gotta see this classic 1975 performance.

2. Michael Cooper (Lead Singer of Con Funk Shun)

In ConFunkShun, Michael Cooper didn’t lead all the songs, but he did lead on some of their bigger hits like “FFUN”, “Ms. Got The Body”, “Chase Me”, “Love’s Train” and “I’m Leaving Baby”and i’ts his unique tone and that “ow” thing that made Michael stand out.

3. Larry Blackmon (Cameo)

3. Then there’s Larry Blackmon of Cameo. No matter where you were in the world, you ALWAYS knew when you were hearing Larry’s voice on a song. It wasn’t smooth, nor prepped, it was just pure, non-traditional and perfect. “She’s Strange”, “Single Life”, “Candy”, “Talkin’ Out The Side Of Your Neck” (Black College Marching Band Anthem) and of course “Word Up” were all bangers and they wouldn’t have been the same without Larry’s sound.

All of these artists brought the noise on wax and on stage. Larry Blackmon was probably the better producer of the three “ow” men. Michael Cooper was probably the better musician, having played guitar, drums and keyboard. Sugarfoot was one of the baddest guitar players to have ever graced the game.