Cameo Biography

Cameo was established as a ten-member funk group in the early 1970’s. Originally called the New York City Players, they changed their name to avoid artistic confusion and released a self-titled debut on an independent label in 1973. After signing to a major label, they released Cardiac Arrest in 1997, featuring the hit single “Rigor Mortis.” The song reached gold status the album performed well, but Cameo would achieve a much higher level of success in the coming years.  

After nearly ten years, in 1986 Cameo released the album Word Up. Suddenly, Cameo found itself with a chart-topping hit and a Grammy nomination from the title track. “Candy” fared equally well, as did “Back & Forth,” both off the same album. Machismo came next in 1987, featuring guest appearances from such notable musicians as Fred Wesley, Randy Brecker, Bernard Wright, and even Miles Davis. The album earned Cameo an American Music Award for Favorite Group, Soul/R&B, and paved the way for future albums: Real Men Wear Black (1990), Emotional Violence (1991), In the Face of Funk (1994), Nasty (1996) and Sexy Sweet Thing (2000).

Today, Cameo’s lineup has changed but continues to record, tour, and perform with current members Larry Blackman, Tomi Jenkins, Anthony Lockett, Aaron Mills, and Charlie Singleton. The group launched a residency show in Las Vegas, at the Westgate Resort & Casino, in the spring of 2016.