Rose Royce with Sly Slick & Wicked, Deniece Williams, and more

Deniece Williams, born in Gary, Indiana, is a distinctive soul-era artist with a four-octave soprano voice. Known for hits like "Free," "Too Much, Too Little, Too Late" with Johnny Mathis, and "Let's Hear It for the Boy," she began as part of Stevie Wonder's Wonderlove. Her debut album "This Is Niecy" went gold, leading to a career with Grammy wins in gospel. Williams collaborated with Maurice White, Ray Parker Jr., and George Duke. She continues to release music and perform internationally.

Rose Royce, formed in LA by Kenny Copeland and Henry Garner, gained fame with hits like "Car Wash" and "I Wanna Get Next to You." Collaborating with Norman Whitfield, they became R&B icons.

Joe Bataan, born Peter Nitollano in Spanish Harlem, pioneered New York Latin soul, blending R&B, Latin, and Afro-Cuban sounds. Known for hits like "Gypsy Woman" and "Rap-O, Clap-O," his album *Salsoul* influenced urban dance. Raised in a multicultural environment, he infused gritty realism into his music. Notable works include *Saint Latin's Day Massacre* and *Afrofilipino*. Despite mainstream stardom eluding him, his legacy as a key figure in Latin soul endures.

Heatwave, formed by brothers Johnnie and Keith Wilder, is renowned for its international disco-funk sound, featuring hits like "Boogie Nights" and "Always and Forever." After starting in Germany, the band moved to the UK, joining forces with songwriter Rod Temperton. Their albums, produced by Barry Blue, consistently featured soulful ballads and dynamic grooves. Despite lineup changes, including Temperton's shift to writing hits for Michael Jackson, Heatwave's legacy remained strong into the 90s. The group made a notable return with live tours and remixes, celebrating their enduring influence in dance music.