Champaign

Champaign is an American R&B band, best known for their 1981 hit, "How 'Bout Us". Background The septet, who named themselves after their hometown of Champaign, Illinois, United States, included Pauli Carman and Rena Jones (later Day) on vocals; Michael Day and Dana Walden on keyboards; Leon Reeder on guitar; Michael Reed on bass; and Rocky Maffit on percussion and drums. The origins of Champaign can be traced back to a group called The Water Brothers Band. Their lineup comprised Dana Walden on keyboards and vocals, Howard "Leon" Reeder on vocals, lead and rhythm guitars, Keith Harden on vocals, lead and rhythm guitars, Scott Karlstrom on bass, and Bobby Carlin on drums. They recorded a single, "Have You Ever Been Lonely?" backed with "How 'Bout Us" that was released on Sky Records NR6668. The single did not chart. Members Walden, Reeder and Day would eventually become part of Champaign. Career The title track from their 1981 debut album, "How 'Bout Us," was a hit single, reaching No. 5 in the UK Singles Chart, No. 4 on the US Billboard R&B chart, and No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. Reed had left the group by the release of their second album, Modern Heart, which appeared in 1983 and contained the No. 2 R&B hit "Try Again" (No. 23 on the Hot 100). Another follow-up, 1984's Woman in Flames, included the Top 10 R&B song "Off and On Love". Other songs include "Party People" and "Walkin'".