The TRAGIC Life & End of ‘Shalamar’ Members Is So SAD! | HO

Shalamar was once a glittering symbol of R&B, disco, and dance music, captivating fans across the globe with their infectious rhythms, innovative dance moves, and trendsetting style. But behind the dazzling lights and chart-topping hits, the story of Shalamar’s members is one of heartbreak, personal struggles, and a legacy marked by tragedy and regret.

The Rise of Shalamar

Formed in 1977 by Dick Griffey and Soul Train creator Don Cornelius, Shalamar began as a studio project rather than a real band. Their first single, “Uptown Festival,” was recorded with session singers, but its unexpected success prompted Griffey and Cornelius to assemble a real group. The original lineup featured Gary Mumford on vocals, but it was the addition of Soul Train dancers Jody Watley and Jeffrey Daniel that gave Shalamar its unique flair. Their chemistry, along with their signature fashion and dance moves, quickly made them icons for a new generation.

After Mumford’s departure, Gerald Brown briefly joined, contributing to the hit “Take That to the Bank.” But Brown soon left, citing unfair pay and mistreatment by the label. This revolving door of members would become a pattern for Shalamar, but it was the classic lineup—Jody Watley, Jeffrey Daniel, and new lead singer Howard Hewett—that would define the group’s golden era.

Success and Cracks Beneath the Surface

With hits like “The Second Time Around,” “A Night to Remember,” and “Friends,” Shalamar soared to international fame in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Their music dominated dance floors, and their style influenced youth culture in both the US and UK. Jeffrey Daniel’s legendary body-popping and moonwalk on British TV even inspired Michael Jackson.

But behind the scenes, the group was unraveling. Creative differences simmered as Jody Watley longed for more artistic control, frustrated that only two of her songs were used in eight years with the group. She felt stifled, underappreciated, and increasingly marginalized as the label and management pushed Howard Hewett to the forefront, granting him a million-dollar deal while keeping Watley and Daniel in the dark.

Betrayals and Abuse

Tensions escalated when Watley learned from backup singer Jermaine Stewart that Hewett was performing solo shows under the Shalamar name, excluding her and Daniel. The sense of betrayal deepened, and the group’s unity began to fracture. To make matters worse, Watley’s personal relationship with Daniel, which appeared glamorous to the public, was in reality marred by emotional and physical abuse. Watley later revealed that their private life was filled with turmoil, and that Daniel’s subsequent relationship and marriage to singer Stephanie Mills only exacerbated the pain.

Sometimes, the tension boiled over during performances. Watley and Daniel would physically clash on stage, their dance routines turning into silent battles. After shows, arguments spilled into dressing rooms. Watley described this period as “a mess—full of drama, heartbreak, and pain.” Years later, she and Mills would reconcile, showing that time can heal even the deepest wounds.

The Final Straw and Shalamar’s Breakup

The breaking point came during the filming of the music video for “Dead Giveaway.” Watley and Hewett had a major argument, and Watley used a body double for much of the shoot, appearing only in group scenes. Shortly after, she made the decision to leave Shalamar for good. Many warned her against it, saying she was making a mistake, but Watley knew she had to reclaim her creative freedom—even if it meant paying back money to the label for breaking her contract.

Her gamble paid off. Watley’s solo career soared, earning her Grammy Awards and multi-platinum albums. She became a trailblazer in pop, R&B, and dance music, finally able to express herself on her own terms.

Aftermath and Lingering Pain

After Watley’s departure, Shalamar’s management tried to keep the group alive by bringing in new members, including Micki Free and Delisa Davis. While they found some success—particularly with “Dancing in the Sheets” from the Footloose soundtrack—the magic was gone. Hewett eventually left to pursue a solo career, achieving moderate success but never reaching Watley’s heights. Daniel returned to his first love, dance, making a lasting impact by teaching Michael Jackson the moonwalk and choreographing iconic videos.

Despite their individual successes, the pain of Shalamar’s breakup lingered. Hewett later admitted that harsh words—like telling Watley she’d be “nothing without Shalamar”—were spoken in anger. He confessed regret, wishing the three had ever sat down privately to resolve their issues. Decades later, he lamented that pride and youth had kept them apart, and that the opportunity for reconciliation had slipped away.

Legal Battles and Legacy

The wounds of the past even spilled into the courtroom. In 2018, Carolyn Griffy, daughter of Shalamar’s co-founder, claimed rights to the group’s name in the US. Watley fought back and won, securing the Shalamar trademark in America. Meanwhile, the group’s legacy continued abroad, with Hewett, Daniel, and Carolyn Griffy performing under the Shalamar name in Europe and beyond.

In September 2023, Shalamar was honored with a special stone on London’s Music Walk of Fame. The moment celebrated everyone who had ever been part of the group, but it also served as a bittersweet reminder of the fractured relationships and missed opportunities.

Tragedy and Redemption

The story of Shalamar is not just about music, but about the human cost of fame, ambition, and broken trust. The group’s members endured betrayal, abuse, addiction, and public humiliation. Hewett’s own life nearly unraveled in 1986 when he was falsely accused of drug trafficking—an ordeal that ended with his acquittal but left scars that never fully healed.

Yet, through all the tragedy, there is also resilience. Watley’s groundbreaking solo career, Daniel’s influence on dance, and Hewett’s enduring voice are testaments to their talent and perseverance. Their story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of ego, mismanagement, and unresolved pain—but also a reminder that even in the darkest times, it is possible to find healing and redemption.

A Legacy That Endures

Today, Shalamar’s music continues to inspire new generations. Their songs remain staples of dance floors and radio playlists. And while the group’s end was marked by sadness and tragedy, their legacy as pioneers of R&B and dance music is secure.

The tragedy of Shalamar lies not just in their breakup, but in the loss of what might have been—a reminder that behind every glittering success, there are stories of struggle, sacrifice, and sometimes, heartbreak that fans never see.