We’ve been introducing the most important 100 Japanese artists every day, but today we finally unveil the Number 1 spot! The glorious Number 1 position goes to...This year they’re coming up on their 25th anniversary, headed by Kuwata Keisuke, it’s the Southern All-Stars!
“Sazan” debuted in June 25th 1978 with the single Katte ni Sinbad. Since everyone is naturally familiar with their history, we’re going to omit some things...However, as the recent unbelievable incident on Night Hit Studio (on the Fuji Television channel), where they performed Katte ni Sinbad in jogging pants and with so much enthusiasm that the lyrics were unintelligible and had to be displayed below with subtitles (a first for that program) shows, their history is still continuing to happen.
With their cool lyrics and unique vocals, Sazan caught up all of Japan in their whirlwind. But, due to their wild performances, they were unintentionally evaluated to be a comedy band. However, with 1979’s mega-hit Itoshi no Erii, they received a re-evaluation as, and actually became, Japan’s representative rock group. In 1989, R&B legend Ray Charles covered the song and it became a big hit. This once again illustrated Kuwata Keisuke’s excellence as a melody maker.
After this, they continued to send out many works that gave the world many records and many memories, while these leading sons of the music industry continued to steer the Japanese music scene throughout the years with their new approaches. Furthermore, their January 2000 release Tsunami broke their highest sales record and won the 42nd Japan Record Award. As of the end of 2003, they have released 47 singles and 13 original albums. In August 2001, guitarist Oomori Takashi left the group to go solo, leaving the new 5-person Southern All-Stars to keep walking onward.
June 25th 2003 will finally mark the 25th anniversary of their debut.
In 2003, Southern All-Stars released their first single in two and a half years, Namida no Umi de Dakaretai ~sea Of Love~, then a limited Box edition of their debut single Kattei ni Shinbad, then hosted the special event Manatsu no Hihoukan in Odaiba, followed by the live tour Sasuga (SAS ga) Da Manatsu Tour! Aaa! Nama. Da ga, SAS! ~Kaanibaru Deru Banii ka!?~.
Of course, their 25 year history is not something so short as to be easily summarized. Various Best-Of albums, such as the Ballad Series or Umi no Yeah! have been released, but their appeal is naturally best transmitted through the goodness of listening to their original albums. We fervently hope they continue to pull along the Japan music scene through a 30th and 40th year anniversary as well.
Posts Featuring Southern All Stars:
1). "TSUNAMI" - The Wonderful World of Furigana
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