ABC Artist Spotlight: ZAPP
From the small city of Hamilton, Ohio, Roger Troutman and his brothers (which included Larry, Lester and Terry under the band name, Lil’ Roger and His Fabulous Vels) began their musical careers recording music for their own private label, but only released one album. After changing their name to Zapp, they started to play at local venues around Ohio.
When long-time family friends “Catfish” Collins and “Bootsy” Collins saw them performed one night, they were so impressed that they invited Zapp to a recording studio in Detroit. Roger Troutman recorded a early version of “More Bounce to the Ounce.” Encouraged by George Clinton, Troutman sent the demo to a record label and was signed soon afterwards. In 1980, their debut album, Zapp was released (which was produced by George Clinton) and featured the single “More Bounce to the Ounce.” It reached number two on the Billboard Hot R&B tracks.
Click here to listen to “More Bounce to the Ounce.”
The band released the second album, Zapp II, in 1982 and Troutman’s trademark use of the talk-box was incorporated more with this album. It spawned the number one R&B single, “Dancefloor (Part 1).” A year later, Zapp III was released, but didn’t matched the success of the previous album even though it sold at least 500,000 copies signifying a gold status.
Released in 1985, Zapp IV featured the top ten Billboard hit, “Computer Love” with the vocals of Zapp member Shirley Murdock and Gap Band member Charlie Wilson. The final album by the band was Zapp V and it achieved average success.
To listen to “Computer Love”, click here.
In the mid-90s, Roger Troutman made a semi-comeback by being featured in the 2Pac/Dr. Dre hip hop smash hit, “California Love.” Many hip-hop artists particularly on the West Coast were heavily influenced by (and sampled) Zapp and Roger. There is also a guest appearance from Roger Troutman in an alternative version of the video.
To watch to the video to “California Love”, click here.
Sadly, Roger Troutman and his brother Larry died in an apparent murder-suicide three years later and the group disbanded shortly thereafter. They came back to record an album independently. They now tour at small venues across the country.