Post by Admin on Jul 28, 2014 17:31:23 GMT -4
Dyke and The Blazers, who were originally The O’Jays’ backing band, are best known for their 1967 hit single “Funky Broadway.” The song was later covered by Wilson Pickett and went to number one on the charts. This was the first record to use the work "funky" in its title.
Arlester “Dyke” Christian was murdered in the 70's, on a street in Phoenix, Arizona.
Arlester “Dyke” Christian was murdered in the 70's, on a street in Phoenix, Arizona.
Dyke and The Blazers, who were originally The O’Jays’ backing band, are best known for their 1967 hit single “Funky Broadway.” The song was later covered by Wilson Pickett and went to number one on the charts. This was the first record to use the work "funky" in its title.
Rick James described the band as revolutionary.
They were the first act to use the word “Funk” on a song that charted on the R&B charts.
Dyke did session work for Bill Withers and the Watts 103rd St. Rhythm Band. At the time of his death, he was preparing for a tour of Europe and working with Barry White.
Dyke, originally from Buffalo,’New York, was involved in a dispute, which sources claimed was over a drug deal gone bad.
The singer was killed by a man named Clarence “One-Eyed Clancy,” Daniels.
One-Eyed Clancy allegedly owed Dyke money for heroin, so a meeting was prepared on Buck Eye Road, in downtown Phoenix.
Dyke, was sitting in his car when One-Eyed Clancy fired upon him, killing him instantly.
The murder made Dyke a member of the infamous "27" club, which includes artists like Robert Johnson, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Kurt Kobain, Amy Winehouse and other famous musicians, who died at the young age.
As for One-Eyed Clancy, who was allegedly a police informant, he was set free after a jury ruled he acted in self-defense.
A coroners report showed no alcohol or narcotics in Dyke's system.
Dyke’s body was sent back to Buffalo, where he is buried.
C
