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Larry Blackmon

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Larry Blackmon
Born (1956-05-24) May 24, 1956 (age 68)
New York City, New York, United States
GenresR&B, soul, funk, disco
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter, record producer, arranger, actor
Instrument(s)Vocals, bass guitar, drums, percussion
Years active1971–present
LabelsChocolate City, Will Smith, Mariah Carey, Atlanta Artists, Mercury, Reprise, Way 2 Funky, Raging Bull, Crash, Private I

Lawrence Ernest Blackmon (born May 24, 1956) is the lead singer and founder frontman of the funk and R&B band, Cameo. Starting the band "East Coast", Blackmon and Tomi Jenkins formed the "New York City Players" as compliment to the Ohio Players. Having to rename the group due to a conflict, the band later called itself Cameo. Blackmon lived in Harlem and played drums on several hits for the band Black Ivory. He is the son of Lee Black, a former boxer.

Along with his unique vocal style, Blackmon's other personal touches included sporting an elaborate hi-top fade haircut and a codpiece over his pants. His signature "ow!" was used as the intro for some of the band's songs.

Blackmon appeared as a backing vocalist on Ry Cooder's 1987 album "Get Rhythm" and Cyndi Lauper's 1989 album, A Night to Remember. He also had co-producer credits for Eddie Murphy's 1989 album So Happy.

The snare drum sound that Blackmon created for "Word Up!" and "Candy" was duplicated on releases by a wide range of artists.[1] The group Cameo appeared at Adventureland Palace sponsored by Black Pride, Inc., on April 26, 1978.

One of his sons is heavily involved in the New York political scene,[2] while another son is currently involved in the hip hop music industry.[citation needed]

See also

References