Ep 5. The Ohio Players

Unsung season 4 episode 5 is all about The Ohio Players. The Ohio Players are perhaps best known for their funky, horn-driven hits in the 1970s, but the band had roots that stretched back more than a decade earlier. The episode delves into the band’s early history and how they hit their stride in the late ’60s with tunes like “Pain,” “Scream” and “It’s a Crying Shame.”

Much of the episode revolves around the success of their album “Skin Tight,” which “changed the sound of Ohio Players and helped define the sound of funk music,” according to the UnSung narrator. The album features some of the band’s biggest hits, including “Skin Tight,” “Streakin’ Cheek to Cheek” and “Jive Turkey.”

The Ohio Players’ unique blend of funk and R&B created a sound that was entirely their own, and their live shows were legendary. But as the band reached the peak of their success in the mid-70s, they found themselves mired in controversy. Their album covers became increasingly sexualized, and some critics accused them of promoting pornography. The band members address these accusations head-on in the episode, insisting that they were simply trying to sell records.

Despite the controversy, The Ohio Players continued to churn out hits, including “Love Rollercoaster,” which topped the charts in 1975. The band’s fortunes began to decline in the late ’70s, however, as disco began to take over the airwaves. They soldiered on, releasing a series of albums through the ’80s and into the ’90s, but they never regained the success of their early years.

The Ohio Players’ story is told through interviews with surviving members of the band as well as friends and family members. The episode includes rare footage of the band in their prime, as well as behind-the-scenes stories of the making of their classic albums. Throughout the episode, the band members come across as genuine and humble, grateful for the success they achieved and the impact they had on funk music.

In all, UnSung season 4 episode 5 is a fascinating look at one of the most influential funk bands of the 1970s. It’s a compelling mix of live performance footage, interviews and behind-the-scenes stories that will appeal to fans of The Ohio Players as well as anyone interested in the history of funk music.