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:''This article is about the hard rock band. For the television series, see [[In Living Color]]''.
:''This article is about the heavy metal band. For the television series, see [[In Living Color]]''.
{{Infobox musical artist | <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject Musicians -->
{{Infobox musical artist | <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject Musicians -->
| Name = Living Colour
| Name = Living Colour
Line 8: Line 8:
| Alias =
| Alias =
| Origin = [[New York City]], [[USA]]
| Origin = [[New York City]], [[USA]]
| Genre = [[Hard rock]]<br>[[Heavy metal music|Heavy metal]]<br>[[Funk metal]]
| Genre = [[Heavy metal music|Heavy metal]]<br>[[Hard rock]]
| Years_active = [[1983]]&ndash;[[1994]], [[2000]]&ndash;present
| Years_active = [[1986]]&ndash;[[1995]], [[2000]]&ndash;present
| Label = [[Epic Records|Epic]]<br/>[[Sanctuary Records|Sanctuary]]<br/>[[Sony Records|Sony]]
| Label = [[Epic Records|Epic]]<br/>[[Sanctuary Records|Sanctuary]]
| Associated_acts = Headfake<br/>Wood Brass & Steel<br/>Vice
| URL = http://www.livingcolour.com/
| URL = http://www.livingcolour.com/
| Current_members = [[Corey Glover]] (1986-present)<br />[[Vernon Reid]] (1983-present)<br />[[Doug Wimbish]] (1992-present)<br />[[Will Calhoun]] (1986-present)
| Current_members = [[Corey Glover]] <br />[[Vernon Reid]] <br />[[Doug Wimbish]] <br />[[Will Calhoun]]
| Past_members = [[Muzz Skillings]] (1986-1992)
| Past_members = [[Muzz Skillings]]
}}
}}


'''Living Colour''' is a [[hard rock]] group formed in [[New York]] city in [[1983]] by [[Vernon Reid]]. They signed to [[Epic Records]] in [[1987]] and released their first album ''[[Vivid (album)|Vivid]]'' in [[1988]]. Stylistically their music is a creative fusion influenced by [[guitar]]-based rock, [[funk music|funk]], [[heavy metal music|heavy metal]], [[free jazz]], [[hardcore punk]] and [[hip hop music|hip hop]]. They are linked to the [[funk metal]] movement of the late [[1980s]] typified by bands such as [[Fishbone]], [[Jane's Addiction]], [[Red Hot Chili Peppers]], [[Faith No More]], and [[24-7 Spyz]]. They are best remembered for the hits "[[Cult of Personality (song)|Cult of Personality]]", which won a [[Grammy]] Award for best hard rock performance in 1989, and "Type" - their highest charting single. They were also named Best New Artist at the 1989 [[MTV Video Music Awards]].
'''Living Colour''' is a [[hard rock]] band formed in [[New York City]] in [[1983]] by guitarist [[Vernon Reid]]. They signed to [[Epic Records]] in [[1987]] and released their first album ''[[Vivid (album)|Vivid]]'' in [[1988]]. Stylistically their music is a creative fusion influenced by [[heavy metal]], [[guitar]]-based rock, [[funk music|funk]], [[free jazz]], [[hardcore punk]] and [[hip hop music|hip hop]]. They are best remembered for the hits "[[Cult of Personality (song)|Cult of Personality]]", which won a [[Grammy]] Award for best hard rock performance in 1989, and "Type" - their highest charting single. They were also named Best New Artist at the 1989 [[MTV Video Music Awards]].


Living Colour was ranked number 70 on [[VH1]]'s "100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock".
Living Colour was ranked number 70 on [[VH1]]'s "100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock".


== History ==
== History ==
Living Colour grew out of the [[Black Rock Coalition]], an organization started by (among others) guitarist [[Vernon Reid]] for black musicians interested in playing rock music. Reid, British-born but a longtime New York resident, was well known on the downtown New York jazz scenes courtesy of his tenure in [[Ronald Shannon Jackson]]'s Decoding Society. A guitarist of unnerving technique and speed, he assembled a number of bands under the name Living Colour from 1983 to 1986. Early band members included bassists Alex Mosely, Jerome Harris and Carl James. Drummers Greg Carter, Pheeroan Aklaff and J.T. Lewis. Keyboardist [[Geri Allen]] and vocalists D.K. Dyson and Mark Ledford with Reid occasionally singing (or delivering) lead vocals himself. The band's sound was vastly different than the songs that showed up later on their major label recordings. Material from this period included instrumental jazz/funk workouts, politically pointed punk rock burners, experimental excursions via Reid's guitar synth, and an early version of the song "Funny Vibe," which was reworked for their debut album "[[Vivid (album)|Vivid]]."
Living Colour grew out of the [[Black Rock Coalition]], an organization started by (among others) guitarist [[Vernon Reid]] for black musicians interested in playing rock music. Reid, British-born but a longtime New York resident, was well known on the downtown New York jazz scenes courtesy of his tenure in [[Ronald Shannon Jackson]]'s Decoding Society. A guitarist of unnerving technique and speed, he assembled a number of bands under the name Living Colour from 1983 to 1986. Early band members included bassists Alex Mosely, Jerome Harris and Carl James. Drummers Greg Carter, Pheeroan Aklaff and J.T. Lewis. Keyboardist Geri Allen and vocalists D.K. Dyson and Mark Ledford with Reid occasionally singing (or delivering) lead vocals himself. The band's sound was vastly different than the songs that showed up later on their major label recordings. Material from this period included instrumental jazz/funk workouts, politically pointed punk rock burners, experimental excursions via Reid's guitar synth, and an early version of the song "Funny Vibe," which was reworked for their debut album ''[[Vivid (album)|Vivid]]''.


In 1986, the lineup became bassist [[Muzz Skillings]], drummer [[Will Calhoun]], who had graduated with honors from [[Berklee College of Music]], and vocalist [[Corey Glover]] (who Reid met at a birthday party and was suitably impressed with a rendition of "Happy Birthday"). In Calhoun and particularly Skillings, Reid had a rhythm section with the ability to express themselves in dozens of forms, and in Glover he had a vocalist who could produce depths of soul or rage upon demand. Soon after they became regulars on the touring circuit, including regular gigs at the seminal club [[CBGB]]. Aided by a demo produced by fan [[Mick Jagger]], they scored a record deal with Epic records (now [[Sony Music Entertainment|Sony]]), and released ''[[Vivid (album)|Vivid]]'' in the middle of 1988. The album gathered sales momentum only when in late 1988 MTV began playing the video for "Cult of Personality." They gained further exposure as an opening act (with [[Guns N' Roses]]) for the 1989 [[Rolling Stones]] tour of stadiums throughout the USA.
In 1986, the lineup became bassist [[Muzz Skillings]], drummer [[Will Calhoun]], who had graduated with honors from [[Berklee College of Music]], and vocalist [[Corey Glover]] (who Reid met at a birthday party and was suitably impressed with a rendition of "Happy Birthday"). In Calhoun and particularly Skillings, Reid had a rhythm section with the ability to express themselves in dozens of forms, and in Glover he had a vocalist who could produce depths of soul or rage upon demand. Soon after they became regulars on the touring circuit, including regular gigs at the seminal club [[CBGB]]. Aided by a demo produced by fan [[Mick Jagger]], they scored a record deal with Epic records (now [[Sony Music Entertainment|Sony]]), and released ''[[Vivid (album)|Vivid]]'' (#6) in the middle of 1988. The album gathered sales momentum only when in late 1988 MTV began playing the video for "Cult of Personality." They gained further exposure as an opening act (with [[Guns N' Roses]]) for the 1989 [[Rolling Stones]] tour of stadiums throughout the USA.


Their second effort, ''[[Time's Up]]'', was a sprawling affair that capitalized on the ability of its members to work in numerous musical contexts; [[thrash metal]], punk, jazz fusion, [[delta blues]], hip hop (cameos by [[Queen Latifah]] and [[Doug E. Fresh]]), funk, [[Jive (genre)|jive]], and hints of [[electronica]] were all represented. The album won a [[Grammy]] for Best Hard Rock Album. Other guests included [[Maceo Parker]] and [[Little Richard]]. In 1991 they joined the inaugural [[Lollapalooza]] tour and released an EP of outtakes entitled ''Biscuits''. Bass player [[Muzz Skillings]] left the group soon after due to creative differences and was replaced by [[Doug Wimbish]]. This new incarnation released the album ''[[Stain (album)|Stain]]'' in 1993, revealing an emotionally darker, more personal side of the group. Despite retaining their strong fan base, the band split on January 1995 after failing to settle on a common musical goal during sessions for their fourth full-length album. Four of these tracks were included on the compilation ''Pride''.
Their second effort, ''[[Time's Up]]'' (#13), was a sprawling affair that capitalized on the ability of its members to work in numerous musical contexts; [[thrash metal]], punk, jazz fusion, [[delta blues]], hip hop (cameos by [[Queen Latifah]] and [[Doug E. Fresh]]), funk, [[Jive (genre)|jive]], and hints of [[electronica]] were all represented. The album won a [[Grammy]] for Best Hard Rock Album. Other guests included [[Maceo Parker]] and Little Richard. In 1991 they joined the inaugural [[Lollapalooza]] tour and released an EP of outtakes entitled ''Biscuits'' (#110). Bass player [[Muzz Skillings]] left the group soon after due to creative differences and was replaced by [[Doug Wimbish]]. This new incarnation released the album ''[[Stain (album)|Stain]]'' (#26) in 1993, revealing an emotionally darker, more personal side of the group. Despite retaining their strong fan base, the band split on January 1995 after failing to settle on a common musical goal during sessions for their fourth full-length album. Four of these tracks were included on the compilation ''Pride''.


Individual members released a variety of solo efforts until the band finally reformed for good on December 22, 2000. The reunion was followed by the release of another dark record, ''[[Collideøscope]]'', in 2003.
Individual members released a variety of solo efforts until the band finally reformed for good on December 22, 2000. The reunion was followed by the release of another dark record, ''[[Collideøscope]]'', in 2003.


Sony Records released ''[[Live From CBGB's]]'' recorded on December 12, 1989 at the legendary [[CBGB's]] as well as another "best of" cd titled ''Everything Is Possible: The Very Best of Living Colour'' with songs from ''Vivid'' to ''Collideøscope''.
Sony Records released ''Live From CBGB's'' recorded on December 12, 1989 at the legendary [[CBGB's]] as well as another "best of" cd titled ''Everything Is Possible: The Very Best of Living Colour'' with songs from ''Vivid'' to ''Collideøscope''.


As of [[August 2006]], Glover is taking on the role of Judas in ''[[Jesus Christ Superstar]]'' touring with [[Ted Neeley]]. According to Reid, Glover had not left the band [http://livingcolour.blogspot.com/2006/07/note-from-vernon-reid.html]. Doug Pinnick, vocalist and bassist for King's X, filled in for Glover on lead vocals. Living Colour is planning to record an album of all-new material for 2007 release.
As of August 2006, Glover is taking on the role of Judas in ''[[Jesus Christ Superstar]]'' touring with [[Ted Neeley]]. According to Reid, Glover had not left the band [http://livingcolour.blogspot.com/2006/07/note-from-vernon-reid.html]. Doug Pinnick, vocalist and bassist for King's X, filled in for Glover on lead vocals. Living Colour is planning to record an album of all-new material for 2007 release.


On September 22, 2006, original bassist Muzz Skillings joined the band for the first time in 17 years. The occasion was a private party drummer Jack DeJohnette threw for his wife Lydia. Current bassist Doug Wimbish was unable to come back from London for the event and Skillings agreed to do it.
On September 22, 2006, original bassist Muzz Skillings joined the band for the first time in 17 years. The occasion was a private party drummer Jack DeJohnette threw for his wife Lydia. Current bassist Doug Wimbish was unable to come back from London for the event and Skillings agreed to do it.
Line 52: Line 51:


[[Image:Living Colour-Vivid.jpg|100px]]
[[Image:Living Colour-Vivid.jpg|100px]]
1. ''[[Vivid (album)|Vivid]]'' ([[1988]])
1. ''[[Vivid (album)|Vivid]]'' ([[1988]]) #6

[[Image:Cbcbl.jpg|100px]]
2. ''[[Live From CBGB's]]'' ([[1989]], released in [[2004]])


[[Image:Times up.jpg|100px]]
[[Image:Times up.jpg|100px]]
3. ''[[Time's Up]]'' ([[1990]])
2. ''[[Time's Up]]'' ([[1990]]) #13


[[Image:Stain cover.jpg|100px]]
[[Image:Stain cover.jpg|100px]]
4. ''[[Stain (album)|Stain]]'' ([[1993]])
3. ''[[Stain (album)|Stain]]'' ([[1993]]) #26


[[Image:Collide.jpg|100px]]
[[Image:Collide.jpg|100px]]
5. ''[[Collideøscope]]'' ([[2003]])
4. ''[[Collideøscope]]'' ([[2003]])

[[Image:Instantl.jpg|100px]]
6. ''[[Instant Live: Avalon, Boston, MA 10/17/04]]'' ([[2005]], recorded live in [[2004]])


===EPs===
===EPs===


[[Image:Living Colour Biscuits.jpg|100px]]
[[Image:Living Colour Biscuits.jpg|100px]]
1. ''[[Biscuits (EP)]]'' (1991)
1. ''Biscuits'' ([[1991]]) #110


===Videos===
===Videos===
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| #9
| #9
| -
| -
| -
| #89
| ''[[Vivid (album)|Vivid]]''
| ''[[Vivid (album)|Vivid]]''
|-
|-
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| #26
| #26
| -
| -
| -
| #83
| ''[[Vivid (album)|Vivid]]''
| ''[[Vivid (album)|Vivid]]''
|-
|-
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| #5
| #5
| #3
| #3
| #54
| #75
| ''[[Time's Up]]''
| ''[[Time's Up]]''
|-
|-
| [[1991 in music|1991]]
| [[1991 in music|1991]]
| "Elvis is Dead"
| "Elvis Is Dead"
| -
| -
| -
| -
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| #28
| #28
| #8
| #8
| -
| #12
| ''[[Time's Up]]''
| ''[[Time's Up]]''
|-
|-
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| #12
| #12
| -
| -
| ''[[Biscuits (EP)]]''
| ''Biscuits (EP)''
|-
|-
| [[1993 in music|1993]]
| [[1993 in music|1993]]
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| -
| -
| -
| -
| -
| #53
| ''[[Stain (album)|Stain]]''
| ''[[Stain (album)|Stain]]''
|-
|-
| [[1993 in music|1993]]
| [[1993 in music|1993]]
| "Leave it Alone"
| "Leave It Alone"
| -
| -
| #14
| #14
| #4
| #4
| -
| #34
| ''[[Stain (album)|Stain]]''
|-
| [[1994 in music|1994]]
| "Bi"
| -
| -
| -
| -
| ''[[Stain (album)|Stain]]''
| ''[[Stain (album)|Stain]]''
|-
|-

| [[1994 in music|1994]]
| [[1994 in music|1994]]
| "[[Sunshine of Your Love]]"
| "[[Sunshine of Your Love]]"
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| -
| -
| -
| -
| ''[[True Lies Soundtrack]]''
| ''True Lies Soundtrack''
|-
|-
| [[2003 in music|2003]]
| [[2003 in music|2003]]
| "[[Sacred Ground (song)|Sacred Ground]]"
| "Sacred Ground"
| -
| -
| -
| -

Revision as of 01:33, 4 June 2007

This article is about the heavy metal band. For the television series, see In Living Color.
Living Colour

Living Colour is a hard rock band formed in New York City in 1983 by guitarist Vernon Reid. They signed to Epic Records in 1987 and released their first album Vivid in 1988. Stylistically their music is a creative fusion influenced by heavy metal, guitar-based rock, funk, free jazz, hardcore punk and hip hop. They are best remembered for the hits "Cult of Personality", which won a Grammy Award for best hard rock performance in 1989, and "Type" - their highest charting single. They were also named Best New Artist at the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards.

Living Colour was ranked number 70 on VH1's "100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock".

History

Living Colour grew out of the Black Rock Coalition, an organization started by (among others) guitarist Vernon Reid for black musicians interested in playing rock music. Reid, British-born but a longtime New York resident, was well known on the downtown New York jazz scenes courtesy of his tenure in Ronald Shannon Jackson's Decoding Society. A guitarist of unnerving technique and speed, he assembled a number of bands under the name Living Colour from 1983 to 1986. Early band members included bassists Alex Mosely, Jerome Harris and Carl James. Drummers Greg Carter, Pheeroan Aklaff and J.T. Lewis. Keyboardist Geri Allen and vocalists D.K. Dyson and Mark Ledford with Reid occasionally singing (or delivering) lead vocals himself. The band's sound was vastly different than the songs that showed up later on their major label recordings. Material from this period included instrumental jazz/funk workouts, politically pointed punk rock burners, experimental excursions via Reid's guitar synth, and an early version of the song "Funny Vibe," which was reworked for their debut album Vivid.

In 1986, the lineup became bassist Muzz Skillings, drummer Will Calhoun, who had graduated with honors from Berklee College of Music, and vocalist Corey Glover (who Reid met at a birthday party and was suitably impressed with a rendition of "Happy Birthday"). In Calhoun and particularly Skillings, Reid had a rhythm section with the ability to express themselves in dozens of forms, and in Glover he had a vocalist who could produce depths of soul or rage upon demand. Soon after they became regulars on the touring circuit, including regular gigs at the seminal club CBGB. Aided by a demo produced by fan Mick Jagger, they scored a record deal with Epic records (now Sony), and released Vivid (#6) in the middle of 1988. The album gathered sales momentum only when in late 1988 MTV began playing the video for "Cult of Personality." They gained further exposure as an opening act (with Guns N' Roses) for the 1989 Rolling Stones tour of stadiums throughout the USA.

Their second effort, Time's Up (#13), was a sprawling affair that capitalized on the ability of its members to work in numerous musical contexts; thrash metal, punk, jazz fusion, delta blues, hip hop (cameos by Queen Latifah and Doug E. Fresh), funk, jive, and hints of electronica were all represented. The album won a Grammy for Best Hard Rock Album. Other guests included Maceo Parker and Little Richard. In 1991 they joined the inaugural Lollapalooza tour and released an EP of outtakes entitled Biscuits (#110). Bass player Muzz Skillings left the group soon after due to creative differences and was replaced by Doug Wimbish. This new incarnation released the album Stain (#26) in 1993, revealing an emotionally darker, more personal side of the group. Despite retaining their strong fan base, the band split on January 1995 after failing to settle on a common musical goal during sessions for their fourth full-length album. Four of these tracks were included on the compilation Pride.

Individual members released a variety of solo efforts until the band finally reformed for good on December 22, 2000. The reunion was followed by the release of another dark record, Collideøscope, in 2003.

Sony Records released Live From CBGB's recorded on December 12, 1989 at the legendary CBGB's as well as another "best of" cd titled Everything Is Possible: The Very Best of Living Colour with songs from Vivid to Collideøscope.

As of August 2006, Glover is taking on the role of Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar touring with Ted Neeley. According to Reid, Glover had not left the band [1]. Doug Pinnick, vocalist and bassist for King's X, filled in for Glover on lead vocals. Living Colour is planning to record an album of all-new material for 2007 release.

On September 22, 2006, original bassist Muzz Skillings joined the band for the first time in 17 years. The occasion was a private party drummer Jack DeJohnette threw for his wife Lydia. Current bassist Doug Wimbish was unable to come back from London for the event and Skillings agreed to do it.

Living Colour performed a weeklong European Tour starting December 12, 2006.

8th May 2007 - DVD release "Living Colour - On Stage At World Cafe Live DVD"

Trivia

Discography

Albums

1. Vivid (1988) #6

File:Times up.jpg 2. Time's Up (1990) #13

File:Stain cover.jpg 3. Stain (1993) #26

4. Collideøscope (2003)

EPs

1. Biscuits (1991) #110

Videos

1. Primer (1989)

File:Tunnellll.jpg 2. Time Tunnel (1991)

3. On Stage at World Cafe Live (2007)

Compilations

  • Dread (1994)
  • Pride (1995)
  • Super Hits (1998)
  • Play It Loud (1998)
  • What's Your Favorite Color?: Remixes, B-Sides and Rarities (2005)
  • Everything Is Possible: The Very Best of Living Colour (2006)

Singles

Year Song Chart Positions Album
US Hot 100 US Mainstream Rock US Modern Rock UK Singles Chart
1988 "Cult of Personality" #13 #9 - #89 Vivid
1989 "Glamour Boys" #31 #26 - #83 Vivid
1989 "Open Letter (To a Landlord)" #82 #11 - - Vivid
1989 "Middle Man" - - - - Vivid
1990 "Type" - #5 #3 #75 Time's Up
1991 "Elvis Is Dead" - - #25 - Time's Up
1991 "Love Rears Its Ugly Head" - #28 #8 #12 Time's Up
1991 "Pride" - - - - Time's Up
1992 "Talkin' Loud and Sayin' Nothin'" - - #12 - Biscuits (EP)
1993 "Nothingness" - - #17 - Stain
1993 "Ausländer" - - - #53 Stain
1993 "Leave It Alone" - #14 #4 #34 Stain
1994 "Sunshine of Your Love" - - - - True Lies Soundtrack
2003 "Sacred Ground" - - - - Collideøscope

Band members

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