BIOGRAPHY
The Crusaders were a popular American jazz fusion group of the 1970s. The group was initially composed of three studio musicians: Wayne Henderson, Joe Sample, and Wilton Felder. They found success with their first album, The Crusaders 1, which was a hit in the Top 40 in the United States. The group continued to record and tour throughout the 1970s and 1980s, with varying lineups. The Crusaders disbanded in the early 1990s, but reunited in the 2000s for a series of reunion concerts.
The Crusaders were one of the most successful jazz fusion groups of the 1970s, selling millions of records and winning several Grammy Awards. The group's music blended elements of jazz, funk, soul, and pop, and they were known for their well-crafted music and catchy melodies. The Crusaders were also known for their socially-conscious lyrics, addressing topics such as racism, poverty, and social injustice.
The Crusaders were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999.