WAR
Biography
WAR emerged from the streets of Long Beach, California in 1969 as one of the most innovative and socially conscious funk bands of their era, transforming from backing musicians into global superstars who would help define the sound of multicultural America. Originally formed as the Creators, then briefly known as the Night Shift, the band's destiny changed forever when they became the backing group for former Animals vocalist Eric Burdon. This partnership would launch them into the stratosphere of funk, soul, and Latin rock fusion.
The band's multicultural lineup was revolutionary for its time, featuring African American, Latino, white, and Danish members who brought their diverse musical backgrounds into a cohesive, boundary-breaking sound. Core members included Lonnie Leroy "Lonnie" Jordan on keyboards, Howard E. Scott on guitar and vocals, Charles Miller on saxophone and flute, Harold Ray Brown on drums, B.B. Dickerson on bass, Lee Oskar on harmonica, and Papa Dee Allen on congas and percussion. This eclectic mix of musicians created a unique sonic palette that blended funk, soul, jazz, Latin rhythms, reggae, and rock into something entirely new.
Their breakthrough came with "Eric Burdon Declares 'War'" in 1970, but it was their first album as a standalone act, simply titled "WAR," that truly announced their arrival as a major force. Released in 1971, this self-titled debut showcased their ability to craft extended groove-based compositions that were both danceable and politically charged. The album featured the epic "Sun Oh Son," demonstrating their willingness to experiment with lengthy instrumental passages and complex arrangements that would become their trademark.
However, it was "All Day Music" in 1971 that truly established WAR as hitmakers and cultural commentators. The album's title track became a radio staple, but more importantly, it revealed the band's sophisticated approach to songwriting and their ability to address social issues through infectious rhythms. The record perfectly captured the zeitgeist of early 1970s America, addressing themes of unity, social justice, and cultural harmony while never sacrificing their commitment to making people dance. Songs like "Get Down" and "That's What Love Will Do" demonstrated their range, from hard-hitting funk to smooth soul ballads.
The pinnacle of WAR's commercial and artistic success came with "The World Is a Ghetto" in 1972, an album that would become Billboard's best-selling album of 1973 and cement their legacy as one of America's most important bands. The title track, an eleven-minute opus, was both a scathing social commentary and an irresistible groove that showcased every member's musical prowess. Lee Oskar's harmonica work became iconic, while the rhythm section created pockets of funk that influenced generations of musicians. "The Cisco Kid," another standout from the album, celebrated Latino culture and became one of their biggest hits, proving that WAR could honor their multicultural roots while achieving mainstream success.
Throughout the 1970s, WAR continued to evolve and experiment, releasing classics like "Deliver the Word" and "Why Can't We Be Friends?" The latter album's title track became an anthem of racial harmony and remains one of their most enduring songs. Their music appeared in countless films and television shows, with "Low Rider" becoming perhaps their most recognizable track and a defining song of Chicano culture.
WAR's influence extends far beyond their chart success. They were pioneers in creating music that celebrated diversity and multiculturalism decades before it became fashionable. Hip-hop producers have extensively sampled their work, with artists from Tupac to Janet Jackson building hits around WAR's grooves. Their approach to extended instrumental passages and groove-based composition influenced everyone from Red Hot Chili Peppers to contemporary funk revivalists.
The band faced challenges in the 1980s as musical tastes shifted, but they never stopped touring or recording. Various lineup changes occurred over the decades, with Lonnie Jordan remaining as the consistent driving force. Original members like Lee Oskar pursued successful solo careers while maintaining connections to the band.
Today, WAR's legacy as musical innovators and cultural ambassadors remains intact. They were inducted into numerous halls of fame and continue to tour, introducing new generations to their message of unity through music. Their influence on funk, hip-hop, and world music is immeasurable, proving that music truly can be a universal language that transcends racial, cultural, and social boundaries. WAR didn't just make music; they created a blueprint for how diverse communities could come together and create something
