Fat Larry's Band Biography

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Larry James formed Fat Larry's band in Philadelphia after having played drums for two bands previously, namely 'Delfonics' and 'The Magic of Blue', the backing band for 'Blue Magic'. 'The Magic of Blue' were then later signed to the WMOT record label as a 'Fat Larry's Band' (also known as 'FLB') and their first album 'Feel it' was released in 1976. Their second album 'Off the wall' was released on the 'Fantasy' label in 1977 and included more songs with down to earth lyrics, in the laid back style of their more popular funky slow jams that the band became recognized for.

'Fat Larry's Band' (FLB) also teamed up with members of the 'Ingram' Family as part of the studio group 'Slick'. 'Slick' found success in both the US and the UK with the two tracks, 'Spacebass' and 'Sexy Cream'. 'Space bass' is considered a true cosmic disco classic track by many. The bands involvement in the project could well have influenced the title of their next album 'Spacin' Out', which was released in 1978. Much of the disco and funk music at the time had been greatly influenced by the release of the 'Star Wars' movie in 1977.

'Fat Larrys Band' continued produce albums into the 1980's. The Band's most successful chart placed single was 'Zoom', a cover of 'The Commodores' song, which reached number 2 in the UK top 40 in September 1982. They also charted in the UK with 'Center City' which reached number 31 in the UK. Their song 'Act like you know' is one of their most widely known (and sampled) songs and was used in the soundtrack for the computer game 'Grand theft Auto Vice city'

Larry James suffered a heart attack at the age of 38. He will be remembered not only for his music but also his personality and presence.