Aquarian Dream

Formed in New York City in 1976, Aquarium Dream mixed soul, funk, and disco into a singular sound. One of the band's most ardent supporters was solo artist Norman Connors, who was still riding high on the success of several R&B hits — including the Top 10 singles "Valentine Love" and "You Are My Starship" — when he produced Aquarian Dream's self-titled debut album in 1976. Although the record was a commercial disappointment, it featured powerful performances from vocalist Gloria Jones, saxophonist Claude Bartee Jr., and guitarist Pete Bartee. The band returned in 1978 with a new singer, Sylvia Striplin, and a new album, Fantasy. Produced once again by Connors, Fantasy earned comparisons to Earth, Wind & Fire's work but couldn't match that band's sales, prompting Aquarium Dream to reshuffle its lineup once again for 1979's Chance to Dance. Released during the golden days of disco, Chance to Dance modernized the band's sound with help from a different producer, Jeff Lane, and yet another lead singer, Connie Harvey. It failed to jumpstart the band's lagging career, though, and Aquarian Dream broke up before the year was up. During the decades that followed, the band's music was sampled by artists from all corners of the musical map, including rapper Big Sean, dance-funk artist James Pants, and Italian house DJ Spiller.

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