Champaign (band)

Champaign is an American R&B band, best known for their 1981 hit, "How 'Bout Us".

Background
The septet, who named themselves after their hometown of Champaign, Illinois, United States, included Pauli Carman and Rena Jones (later Day) on vocals; Michael Day and Dana Walden on keyboards; Leon Reeder on guitar; Michael Reed on bass; and Rocky Maffit on percussion and drums.

The origins of Champaign can be traced back to a group called The Water Brothers Band. Their lineup comprised Dana Walden on keyboards and vocals, Howard "Leon" Reeder on vocals, lead and rhythm guitars, Keith Harden on vocals, lead and rhythm guitars, Scott Karlstrom on bass, and Bobby Carlin on drums. They recorded a single, "Have You Ever Been Lonely?" backed with "How 'Bout Us" that was released on Sky Records NR6668. The single did not chart. Members Walden, Reeder and Day would eventually become part of Champaign.

Career
The title track from their 1981 debut album, "How 'Bout Us," was a hit single, reaching No. 5 in the UK Singles Chart, No. 4 on the US Billboard R&B chart, and No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. Reed had left the group by the release of their second album, Modern Heart, which appeared in 1983 and contained the No. 2 R&B hit "Try Again" (No. 23 on the Hot 100). Another follow-up, 1984's Woman in Flames, included the Top 10 R&B song "Off and On Love". Other songs include "Party People" and "Walkin'".

In 1982, Rena Jones, Leon Reeder and Dana Walden took a break from the band and collaborated with writer Pat McBride to create children's records for the Kid Stuff Records label. These included Pac-Man Christmas Album and Donkey Kong Goes Home.

Carman released his first solo album, Dial My Number in 1986. The title track was an R&B hit, peaking at No. 26. His second album, It's Time was released the following year. It featured the single "In the Heat of the Night", which peaked at No. 72 on the R&B charts.

Rena Jones and Michael Day eventually married.

In 1990, Champaign (including Carman) reconvened to record, and the Champaign IV album was released the following year. In addition to Carman, the album featured contributions/production from Michael Lane (MicoWave), Rena and Michael Day, Dana Walden, and Rocky Maffit. Although the album was not widely successful, it did herald a brief return to the US R&B chart, with the single "Trials of the Heart".

Former band member Michael Day died of cancer on June 7, 2001.

In 2003, a greatest hits compilation album was released and included most of the group's hits, though several (most notably "Try Again") were absent.

By 2008, Pauli Carman, the original lead singer, continued to represent the group. The Carma album, released in 2008, included original songs along with a remake of The Beatles' "And I Love Her" and the Stevie Wonder track "I Love, I Love." In 2010, Get Back 2 Love was released (included a remaster of "How 'Bout Us"). The title track "Get Back 2 Love" made reference to Champaign's top hits. The same year, the single "Mercy" was released (a remake of the Marvin Gaye hit "Mercy Mercy Me"). This single was to assist those affected by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. A portion of the proceeds was donated to various agencies assisting with the clean up and restoration in the area.

In November 2010, Carman produced The Pauli Carman Show (a television pilot online show). In 2011, the single "Share" was released. In 2013, the CD album Love Kind was released.

On September 15, 2013, Pauli Carman was presented the National R&B Music Society 'Unsung Hero Award'.

In 2014, the album Eyes of the Spirit was released.

In 2022, the singles "When Your Heart Beats with Mine" and "Can't Let You Go" were released.

Compilation albums

 * 2003: Greatest Hits