Cameo

The ever-evolving funk group Cameo scored horn-powered R&B hits in the ’70s before paring down their lineup and achieving breakthrough pop success with the mid-’80s synth-funk jams “Word Up!” and “Candy.” • Group founder Larry Blackmon grew up in Harlem and attended the prestigious Juilliard School.

• In 1974, Blackmon assembled a 14-member group known as The New York City Players.

They signed to Casablanca Records’ Chocolate City imprint and changed their name to Cameo in 1976.