Zapp

Zapp - Computer Love (1982)
Nice cover version of Roy Ayers song.
On request, but there is no shortage of footage of them. Funk group based in Hamilton, Ohio, USA who, for a period during the 80s, rivalled major stars of the genre such as the Gap Band and Kool And The Gang. Zapp was formed by several members of the Troutman family, including brothers Roger Troutman (Born 29 November 1951, Hamilton, Ohio, USA, d. 25 April 1999, Dayton, Ohio, USA; vocals/guitar), Lester (drums), Larry (Born 12 August 1944, Hamliton, Ohio, USA, d. 25 April 1999, Dayton, Ohio, USA; percussion) and Tony.

The latter recorded the minor R&B hit single "I Truly Love You" for Gram-O-Phon Records in 1976.Various members of the band worked with Roger on albums by artists affiliated to the Zapp family, including Dick Smith, Human Body, Glover, Lynch, New Horizons and Shirley Murdock.

The latter, an exciting gospel/soul vocalist, appeared on 1985's The New Zapp IV U. Further excellent singles included "It Doesn't Really Matter" (1985) and "Computer Love Part 1" (number 8 R&B, 1986), but the band's commercial fortunes had declined by the end of the decade. Their 1993 compilation album, featuring several remixes and medleys, went platinum.

Zapp's influence on electro and hip-hop should not be underestimated, and Roger Troutman remained an in-demand session musician/vocalist and producer with urban R&B and hip-hop artists (including a high profile performance on Dr. Dre and 2Pac's 1996 hit single, "California Love"). The Zapp story ended in tragedy on 25 April 1999, when brother Larry shot Roger before turning the gun on himself.