The Tragic Rise and Fall of Shalamar: Behind the Glory and Heartbreak of an Iconic Group

Shalamar was born in 1977, a brainchild of music executive Dick Griffey and Don Cornelius, the legendary host of Soul Train.

Originally a studio project for dance music, the group quickly evolved into a real band when their debut hit “Uptown Festival” took off.

The initial lineup featured Gary Mumford as lead singer, but the addition of Soul Train dancers Jody Watley and Jeffrey Daniel transformed Shalamar into a powerhouse of style and rhythm.

Jody and Jeffrey weren’t just dancers; they were stars in their own right, known for pioneering moves like body popping and moonwalking, which later influenced legends like Michael Jackson.

Their cool image and energetic performances helped Shalamar dominate the charts and fashion trends, especially in the UK where their music and dance styles became hugely popular.

However, the glamour masked growing tensions.

Gary Mumford left early on, replaced by Gerald Brown, who soon departed over pay disputes.

Howard Hewitt then stepped in as lead singer, completing what many consider Shalamar’s classic lineup alongside Jody and Jeffrey.

This trio created hits like The Second Time Around, blending smooth vocals with infectious dance beats.

Despite their success, cracks began to show by the early 1980s.

Jody Watley grew frustrated with the group’s creative limitations.

She felt stifled by the label’s insistence on working with the same producers and songwriters, which left little room for her artistic growth.

Although she had been writing songs for years, only a handful made it onto albums, and she wanted more solo spotlight, which Howard usually dominated.

The internal rivalry deepened when the record label reportedly gave Howard a lucrative solo deal without informing Jody or Jeffrey.

Rumors swirled that Howard was performing solo shows under the Shalamar name, sidelining the others.

Jody felt betrayed and unappreciated, and this imbalance fueled resentment.

Compounding the strain was a troubled personal relationship between Jody and Jeffrey.

Publicly, they appeared inseparable, but privately, Jody described Jeffrey as emotionally and physically abusive.

Their toxic dynamic added emotional weight to the already fraught environment.

Jody recounted how fights sometimes erupted even during performances, turning their dance routines into battlegrounds.

The breaking point came during the promotion of their 1983 album The Look.

Tensions peaked during the filming of the “Dead Giveaway” video, where Jody’s disinterest led her to use a body double for many scenes.

Feeling trapped and undervalued, she made the difficult decision to leave Shalamar.

Leaving the group meant Jody had to pay back money to the label for breaking her contract, but she was resolute.

Her solo career soon skyrocketed, with hits like Looking for a New Love earning Grammy nominations and multi-platinum sales.

She finally gained the creative freedom she craved, proving her immense talent outside the group’s shadow.

Meanwhile, Jeffrey Daniel and Howard Hewitt also moved on.

Jeffrey returned to his passion for dance, becoming a renowned choreographer who taught Michael Jackson the moonwalk and helped shape iconic music videos.

Howard pursued a solo singing career, collaborating with artists like Dionne Warwick, though he didn’t reach Jody’s commercial heights.

Despite their separate paths, old wounds lingered.

Howard once told Jody, “You’ll never be anything without Shalamar,” a harsh remark born from frustration.

Yet, he later admitted regret and praised Jody’s solo success.

He wished they had talked openly to heal their fractured relationship but acknowledged pride and youth kept them apart.

Howard’s life took a dark turn in 1986 when he was arrested in Miami on drug conspiracy charges linked to his then-fiancée’s secret involvement with drugs.

Though he was acquitted, the ordeal shook him deeply, testing his faith and resilience.

The experience marked a low point in his life and career but he persevered.

As Shalamar’s original members drifted apart, the group continued with new faces including Carolyn Griffy, daughter of founder Dick Griffey.

Carolyn helped revitalize Shalamar for a new generation, and the group enjoyed moderate success with songs featured in popular films like Footloose and Beverly Hills Cop.

Legal battles over the Shalamar name further complicated matters.

Carolyn Griffy claimed ownership in the U.S., but Jody Watley successfully fought to secure the trademark, ensuring her legacy remained protected.

Despite the disputes, Shalamar’s influence endured.

In 2023, Shalamar was honored with a star on the Music Walk of Fame in London, a tribute attended by Howard, Jeffrey, and Carolyn.

The group’s legacy was celebrated by fans and music legends alike, reminding the world of the joy and innovation they brought to dance and R&B music.

The story of Shalamar is one of dazzling success shadowed by personal pain and fractured bonds.

Behind the catchy hits and stylish performances were real people grappling with betrayal, abuse, and lost dreams.

Yet their music and dance moves continue to inspire, proving that even amidst tragedy, Shalamar’s rhythm lives on.

Their journey reminds us that fame is often a double-edged sword—bringing adoration but also exposing vulnerabilities.

While the members’ lives took divergent and sometimes heartbreaking paths, their shared history forged a legacy that shaped the sound and style of an era.