KC and The Sunshine Band

KC and the Sunshine Band are still as widely popular today as they were when they first danced into the music scene 50 years ago. Harry Wayne Casey—KC for short—developed a unique fusion of R&B and funk, with a hint of a Latin percussion groove, giving us an impressive string of hits like “Get Down Tonight,” “That’s The Way (I Like It)” and “Shake Your Booty.” With sales of over 100 million records, nine Grammy nominations, three Grammy Awards and an American Music Award, KC and the Sunshine Band was one of the most progressive bands of the 70s and is credited with changing the sound of modern pop music. Today, KC and the Sunshine Band play over 100 live shows annually, circling the country and playing dates regularly throughout Europe, Australia and South America. This year KC will celebrate 50 years of entertaining us, writing songs, and performing around the world and has no intention of stopping.

In the last decade, KC has continued to influence the dance and disco scene by releasing new music, most recently his single, “Unconditional Love featuring Bimbo Jones.” In March of 2015 KC and the Sunshine Band released, “Feeling You! The 60s.” The album was a tribute to the era that shaped KC into the revolutionary artist he became in the 70s. Covers on the album include songs by sixties legends Bob Dylan, Ben E. King, The Kinks, The Righteous Brothers, Jackie DeShannon, Aaron Neville and many more. Just like the rest of America during that time he was inspired by the music, innocence, sex, social and political movements and counterculture of the era, which led to him founding the Dance Revolution and teaching the world how to boogie.

KC’s success in music has earned him an extensive list of accolades including an American Music Award for Best R&B Artist in 1975 and a songwriting Grammy for Best R&B song for “Where Is The Love,” which was recorded by Betty Wright. He also received a Grammy Award for Album of the Year, as well as Producer of the Year in 1978 for his work on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack. In 2001, KC was honored with the NARAS Governor’s Award, the highest honor given by a chapter of the Academy. He received a coveted Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2002, where Dick Clark and music producer Michael Lloyd turned out to honor him. This particular recognition represents the passion that KC has in writing music, implementing elements of various eras in his songs, proving him to be a passionate, veteran craftsman. All of these career highlights are chronicled in his book, That’s The Way I Like It – The Harry Wayne Casey Story, which was published that same year.

KC’s music continues to be a favorite today. His songs have appeared in ads for companies like General Motors, Burger King, Payless Shoes, Papa John’s Pizza, Old Navy and Nick at Nite. His music has also been featured in over 200 commercials and movies such as Forrest Gump (“Get Down Tonight”), Boogie Nights (“Boogie Shoes”), Boys Don’t Cry (“Rock Your Baby”), Rush Hour (“Get Down Tonight”), Carlito’s Way (“Rock Your Baby,” “Shake Your Booty” and “That’s The Way I Like It”) and Austin Powers in Goldmember (“Shake Your Booty”). In the summer of 2003, KC also had a cameo in the feature film The In-Laws starring Michael Douglas and Albert Brooks.