The Blackbyrds was a hot jazz/funk group that arose out of Howard University’s music department in the mid-1970s. Featuring guitarist Barney Perry, keyboardist Kevin Toney, horn player Allen Barnes, percussionist Perk Jacobs, bass guitarist Joe Hall and vocalist Keith Killgo, the group was mentored by famed jazz trumpeter Donald Byrd, who had taught several of the members.
Their biggest hit was the top 10 “Walking in Rhythm,” a great slice of mid-70s soul/jazz, but the group also scored later in the decade with smaller hits with “Happy Music,” “Time Is Movin'” and the disco hit “City Life.” The Blackbyrds continued recording into the early 80s, and a smaller version of the group is still playing live dates today.
By Chris Rizik
