Dayton was formed in Ohio, USA by Chris Jones (trumpet/keyboards/vocals) and Shawn Sandridge (guitar/vocals), both former members of the group “Sun” and “Over Night Low”. The first two albums, former “Sun” member Dean Hummons played the keyboards.

Derrick Armstrong (vocals), Kevin Hurt (drums/percussion), Jenny Douglas (vocals) and Rachel Beavers (vocals) completed this great 80’s funk band.

The group signed to Liberty Records in 1980 and soon released their self-titled debut album which included the memorable track “Eyes On You”.

Dayton was highly respected and also toured with musicians as Ashford & Simpson, Quincy Jones and Stephanie Mills. 

They recorded a second Liberty album Cutie Pie in 1981. Guest musicians included James "Diamond" Williams, Keith Harrison, Clarence "Chet" Willis, Billy Beck, Wes Boatman, and Vincent Andrews.

Dayton introduced Rahni Harris as vocalist/keyboard player on their third album “Hot Fun” in 1982. Rahni did most of the songwriting and production chores. This record included "Krackity-Krack" with a guest appearance by Bootsy Collins and their hit remake of Sly Stone's "Hot fun in the summertime."

The group switched to Capitol in 1983 and delivered their great album “Feel The Music” which included the dancefloor classic “The Sound Of Music”. The song “Love You Anyway” (obviously) was produced by Zapp’s Roger Troutman.

They released their last album “This Time” in 1985, also produced by Rahni Harris. It didn’t match to their previous efforts and effectively marked the end of Dayton.

The albums are:

Dayton (Liberty 1980)
Cutie Pie (Liberty 1981)
Hot Fun (Liberty 1982)
Feel The Music (Capitol 1983)
This Time (Capitol 1985)