Wild Cherry

Wild Cherry was an American funk rock band formed in Mingo Junction, Ohio, in 1970. They released four albums. The group experienced several lineup changes in their 9 year history, with Rob Parissi being its sole consistent member. Their self-titled debut album was released in 1976 to commercial success, peaking at number five on the Billboard 200. The record spawned the single "Play That Funky Music", which topped the Billboard Hot 100 and appeared in the top 10 of several international charts. Their following four singles and two albums Electrified Funk (1977) and I Love My Music (1978) appeared on Billboard charts, but failed to replicate the sales of their debut. After the release of their fourth and final album, Only the Wild Survive (1979), Wild Cherry disbanded. Wild Cherry achieved brief success internationally but are deemed a one-hit wonder for "Play That Funky Music", which is one of two works by the band to be platinum-certified (the other being their debut album).

History

Early lineups (1970–1974) Rob Parissi (lead vocals and guitar) was raised in the steel-mill town of Mingo Junction, Ohio. He graduated from Mingo High School in 1968 and formed the band Wild...