The Strikers -

The Strikers were an American soul-funk band from N.Y.C. that released a 1981 self-titled album on Prelude Records, followed by standalone singles through the ensuing six-year period.

Members: Darryl Gibbs, Howie Young, Milton Brown, Robert Gilliom, Robert Rodriguez, Ruben Faison, Willie Slaughter

Background

The Strikers formed in New York City in 1980 when saxophonist–producer Darryl Gibbs and singer Ruben Faison rejoined Made in U.S.A. bassist Willie Slaughter and added drummer Milton Brown, keyboardist Howie Young, and guitarists Robert Gilliom and Robert Rodriguez.

Made in U.S.A. formed in Brooklyn in 1975 when producers Freida Nerangis and Britt Britton assembled a self-contained band with help from Gibbs. The group signed with De-Lite Records in 1977 and made the self-titled Made in U.S.A. with Gibbs, Slaughter, and then-guitarist Faison. Gibbs and Young also played in Crown Heights Affair, where Gibbs served as an early saxophonist and Young succeeded Stan Johnson on keyboards.

The Strikers supported themselves through New York club dates and R&B road shows while they sought a new recording opportunity. The band used “Body Music” as a final bid for a record deal, and Cesaree Records International issued the first version in January 1981 (b/w “Feel Free”). Cesaree pressed roughly 1,500 copies for the initial run. Club DJs repeatedly played the single, including Tee Scott at Better Days and Larry Levan at the Paradise Garage.

Crown Heights Affair producers Raymond and Bert Reid helped steer “Body Music” toward Prelude Records. François Kevorkian heard the Cesaree pressing at Better Days and persuaded Prelude president Marvin Schlachter to license the master. Kevorkian and Levan remixed the recording with additional keyboard tracks for a February 1981 Prelude issue. The Strikers then completed the remaining album material at A&R Studios in New York City. Gibbs produced those sessions for the self-titled Prelude LP The Strikers.

Discography: