Arlester "Dyke" Christian joined the 27 club on March 13, 1971. The cause of death is recorded as: Murdered
Arlester "Dyke" Christian was a talented frontman, vocalist, and bassist who led the American funk band Dyke and the Blazers. Born on June 13, 1943, in Buffalo, New York, Christian started his musical career playing bass in Carl LaRue and his Crew in the early 1960s. After moving to Phoenix, Arizona, with LaRue's band, Christian formed Dyke and the Blazers in 1965 with local musicians.
Dyke and the Blazers are best known for their successful records, such as "Funky Broadway" (1966) and "Let a Woman Be a Woman" (1969). Christian's innovative use of rhythms, bass, and organ, inspired by James Brown's band, led the group to develop a unique sound. Their records reflected Dyke's memories of Broadway in Buffalo and Phoenix and showcased his powerful vocals.
"Funky Broadway," the first record to use the word "funky" in its title, became popular both locally and nationally, reaching no. 17 on the Billboard R&B chart and no. 65 on the pop chart. The band's success led to extensive touring and recording sessions with various musicians, including James Gadson, Al McKay, Roland Bautista, and others. Their records produced during this period were among their biggest hits.
Despite the disintegration of Dyke and the Blazers in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Christian continued to make music with various Los Angeles studio musicians. His collaborations resulted in records like "We Got More Soul" (no. 7 R&B, no. 35 pop) and "Let A Woman Be A Woman, Let A Man Be A Man" (no. 4 R&B, no. 36 pop). These records showcased the band's unique blend of rhythms, vocals, and innovative instrumentation, solidifying their place in funk music history.
Arlester "Dyke" Christian's legacy extends beyond his musical contributions. He played a significant role in popularizing the term "funky" and pioneering a distinctive sound that influenced later funk musicians. His innovative approach to rhythms, basslines, and organ usage inspired artists such as Rick James, who described Dyke's music as "revolutionary." Christian's contributions to the development of funk music continue to be celebrated by fans and scholars alike.