Artists & Bands

Shalamar | Tunes + Guitar Lessons

Shalamar brought style, soul, and unforgettable grooves to the disco era. Their sound—and moves—left a permanent mark on pop culture!

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The Original Moonwalk: Shalamar’s Role in Michael Jackson’s Dance Legacy

Shalamar, an American disco and soul vocal and dance group, first made waves in 1977 with their debut album. They would go on to release albums throughout the 1980s, with their music shaping the sound of the era. After a hiatus, the group reunited in 1999 for a world tour and released a new single in 2017.

One of their most iconic moments came in 1982 with the release of A Night to Remember. The song became a massive hit, but it wasn’t just the music that left a lasting impact. During a performance of the track on Top of the Pops that year, Shalamar’s dancer, Jeffrey Daniel, introduced the world to what would later become known as the moonwalk.

The performance caught the attention of none other than Michael Jackson, who reached out to Daniel and invited him to join his team as a choreographer. The following year, Jackson debuted the moonwalk during his iconic performance of Billie Jean on the televised 25th Anniversary of Motown, a moment that captivated 47 million viewers in the U.S.

Jackson and Daniel would go on to collaborate on some of Michael’s most legendary dance routines, including those for Bad and Smooth Criminal, solidifying their place in music and dance history.