Living Colour

Living Colour
Name	Living Colour
Origin	New York City
Genres	Funk metal, hard rock, alternative metal, heavy metal, hardcore punk
Years active	1984–1995, 2000–present
Labels	Epic Records, Sony Music Entertainment, Megaforce Records, Rounder Records
Associated acts	Spectrum Road (band), The Rolling Stones, Parliament-Funkadelic, Danzig (band), Bad Brains

Living Colour Living Colour is an American rock band formed in New York City in 1984. The group blended hard rock, funk, punk rock, and heavy metal with socially conscious lyrics, achieving mainstream success in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Known for virtuosic musicianship and political commentary, the band has influenced artists across rock music, hip hop, and alternative rock scenes.

History

Living Colour formed when guitarist Vernon Reid returned to New York City after performing with James Brown's alumni and connected with bassist Muzz Skillings and drummer Afan Walker; early lineups performed in venues such as CBGB alongside acts like Sonic Youth and Bad Brains. Vocalist Corey Glover joined in 1985 after stints with regional groups and the band quickly built a reputation through performances at festivals including Monterey Jazz Festival and tours supporting The Rolling Stones and Public Enemy. Their major-label debut, released on Epic Records, came during an era shaped by MTV and the commercial rise of hair metal and drew attention from critics at publications like Rolling Stone and Spin (magazine). Lineup changes in the early 1990s included the departure of Muzz Skillings and the arrival of Doug Wimbish, who had recorded with Sugarhill Records session musicians and toured with Pete Townshend. The band went on hiatus in 1995, reunited in 2000, and has since released albums and toured with artists such as Jane's Addiction and played festivals like Coachella and South by Southwest.

Musical style and influences

Living Colour's sound synthesizes elements from funk music pioneers like Parliament-Funkadelic and James Brown, metal innovators such as Black Sabbath and Van Halen, and punk progenitors Bad Brains and The Ramones. Vernon Reid's guitar work draws from jazz figures including Wes Montgomery and John Coltrane as well as avant-garde players associated with ECM Records; bass techniques echo the session work of musicians from Motown and Stax Records lineages. Vocal and lyrical approaches reference the protest traditions of Marvin Gaye and Bob Marley, addressing themes linked to events like the Rodney King incident and institutions such as The New York Times-covered controversies. Production choices show the influence of producers who worked with Prince, Public Enemy, and U2, and the band's arrangements reflect crossovers similar to those undertaken by Red Hot Chili Peppers and Faith No More.

Band members

Current members: - Vernon Reid — lead guitar; founder with previous associations to Tribe (band) and the Black Rock Coalition. - Corey Glover — lead vocals; collaborator with artists from Dream Theater members to Black Rock Coalition projects. - Doug Wimbish — bass; former session musician for Sugarhill Records acts and member of Tackhead (band). - Will Calhoun — drums; also known for solo work incorporating rhythms from West Africa and collaborations with Herbie Hancock.

Former members: - Muzz Skillings — bass; early member who later worked with Session musicians and regional acts. - Various touring and studio contributors have included artists associated with The Rolling Stones, Duran Duran, and Living legends of funk.

Discography

Studio albums: - Vivid (1988) — breakthrough on Epic Records, featuring the single that won a Grammy Award. - Time's Up (1990) — critically acclaimed, integrating orchestral elements and hip hop collaborations with artists from Public Enemy circles. - Stain (1993) — heavier production influenced by grunge trends and touring contemporaries like Alice in Chains. - Collideøscope (2003) — comeback album reflecting post-9/11 cultural landscapes and alternative rock developments. - The Chair in the Doorway (2009) — released amid tours with Stone Temple Pilots and participation in major festivals. - Shade (2017) — later work showcasing continued fusion of funk, metal, and progressive influences.

Live albums and compilations include releases capturing performances at CBGB and festival appearances; singles and EPs feature collaborations with members of Public Enemy and remixes by producers linked to Hip hop collectives.

Awards and recognition

Living Colour won a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance, competing in a category alongside artists from Metallica, Soundgarden, and Guns N' Roses. They have been cited by peers such as Slash, Flea (musician), and members of Rage Against the Machine for their influence on crossover rock. The band has been profiled by institutions like Smithsonian Institution programs on contemporary music and featured in retrospectives at venues including Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-adjacent exhibits and tributes during Black History Month events. Musicians and critics credit their albums on lists curated by Rolling Stone, NME, and Pitchfork (website) as pivotal in broadening representation in rock music.

Category:American rock bands Category:Musical groups from New York City