War is an American band that mixes funk, jazz, R&B and rock. The group has sold more than 5 million albums worldwide and been honored with 17 gold platinum and multi-platinum awards.
In 1969 Eric Burdon and War recorded and released their first album entitled “Eric Burdon Declares War” featuring the number one single “Spill The Wine.” Following its release Eric Burdon and War went on an extensive tour of Europe and the UK.
On September 16 1970 Jimi Hendrix joined Eric Burdon and War for a jam session at London’s Famous Ronny Scotts Jazz Club. Regrettably, this would be Jimi’s last jam session as he died later that night. Shocked and overwhelmed by the death of his friend Jimi Hendrix Eric Burdon made the decision to leave the band and return to Los Angeles.
War continued their European tour without their former front man before returning to the states. Following Burdon’s departure War’s career rose dramatically. In the early 1970s the release of Slippin’ into Darkness and Me and Baby Brother represented their thrilling sound and spoke to millions of Americans about the troubled times of Vietnam, Watergate and the ethnic tension that centered around inner cities. Then in 1972 War released The World Is a Ghetto. Its second single, The Cisco Kid, reached gold status and the album made the number one spot as Billboard magazine’s Album of the Year.
Lonnie Jordan, the original lead singer and outstanding keyboardist is the musical director.
Discography:
Eric Burdon Declares War (MGM Records, 1970)
The Black-Man’s Burdon (MGM Records, 1970)
All Day Music (United Artists Records, 1971)
War (United Artists Records, 1971)
The World Is A Ghetto (United Artists Records, 1972)
Deliver The Word (United Artists Records, 1973)
War Live (United Artists Records, 1973)
Why Can’t We Be Friends? (United Artists Records, 1975)
Love Is All Around (ABC Records, 19760
Galaxy (MCA Records, 1977)
Platinum Jazz (Island Records, 1976)
Youngblood, soundtrack (United Artists Records, 1978)
The Music Band (MCA Records, 1979)
The Music Band 2 (MCA Records, 1979)
The Music Band Live (MCA Records, 1980 )
Outlaw (RCA, 1982)
Life (Is So Strange) (RCA Victor, 1983)
The Music Band Jazz (MCA Records, 1983)
Where There’s Smoke (Coco Plum, 1985)
Peace Sign (Avenue Records, 1994)
War Is Coming! – The Best Of War (ARG Records, 1996)
Evolutionary (UMe, 2014)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
