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SOLAR Records: Pioneers of R&B and Funk Music
Sound of LA records, also known as SOLAR, was one of the most influential record labels in the world of R&B and funk music during the 1980s.
Sound of LA Records: The Legacy of SOLAR
Sound of LA records, widely known as SOLAR, stands as one of the most influential record labels in the world of R&B and funk music during the 1980s. Founded by visionary executives Dick Griffey and Don Cornelius in 1977, SOLAR played an instrumental role in launching the careers of many legendary artists and producing some of the biggest hits of the era.
Shalamar: The Pioneers of SOLAR’s Success
SOLAR’s first major breakthrough arrived with the formation of the group Shalamar in 1977. Created by Griffey and Cornelius, Shalamar quickly became a sensation. Their debut album “Uptown Festival,” released in 1977, featured the hit single “The Second Time Around.” Throughout the 1980s, Shalamar continued to dominate the charts with timeless tracks such as “A Night to Remember,” “Dead Giveaway,” and “Dancing in the Sheets.”
The Whispers: A Renaissance of R&B Hits
Another group that flourished under SOLAR’s banner was The Whispers. Although they had been active since the late 1960s, it was during their time with SOLAR that The Whispers experienced a renaissance in their career. They produced some of their most memorable hits, including “And the Beat Goes On,” “Rock Steady,” and “It’s a Love Thing,” which remain staples of R&B music to this day.
Lakeside: Funk Pioneers
Formed in 1969, Lakeside found unprecedented success with SOLAR. Their hit single “Fantastic Voyage” became an anthem of the R&B and funk scene. Lakeside’s legacy includes a series of energetic and chart-topping singles like “Raid,” “Outrageous,” and “Your Love is on the One,” showcasing their distinct sound and infectious rhythms.
Midnight Star: Synth-Driven Success
Midnight Star, established in 1976, also thrived under the SOLAR umbrella. Their innovative use of synthesizers and electronic elements set them apart. The group achieved significant success with hits such as “Freak-A-Zoid,” “No Parking on the Dance Floor,” “Operator,” and “Midas Touch,” solidifying their place in the annals of funk and electro music history.
Launching Other Major Bands and Solo Careers: The Deele, Klymaxx, and The S.O.S. Band
SOLAR was also a launching pad for several solo careers. The Deele, featuring future superstars Babyface and LA Reid, first gained recognition under SOLAR. Similarly, Klymaxx and The S.O.S. Band benefited from SOLAR’s nurturing environment. The S.O.S. Band’s “Take Your Time (Do It Right)” became a major hit, leading to a succession of successful singles throughout the 1980s.
The Decline and Lasting Legacy
Despite its monumental impact during the 1980s, SOLAR struggled to adapt to the changing music industry of the 1990s. The label was eventually sold to MCA Records in the early 1990s. However, the legacy of SOLAR’s innovation and influence continues to resonate. The artists and music produced under SOLAR have left an indelible mark on the music industry, influencing countless musicians and genres.
Conclusion
In its relatively short lifespan, Sound of LA records, or SOLAR, carved out a significant chapter in the history of R&B and funk music. From Shalamar’s infectious melodies to The Whispers’ soulful ballads, from the funk-infused tracks of Lakeside to the electronic innovations of Midnight Star, SOLAR’s contributions to music are undeniable. The label’s influence endures, a testament to its role as a beacon of creativity and talent in the music world.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SOLAR_Records
https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/
The Bridge is a section of the STM Daily News Blog meant for diversity, offering real news stories about bona fide community efforts to perpetuate a greater good. The purpose of The Bridge is to connect the divides that separate us, fostering understanding and empathy among different groups. By highlighting positive initiatives and inspirational actions, The Bridge aims to create a sense of unity and shared purpose. This section brings to light stories of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to promote inclusivity, equality, and mutual respect. Through these narratives, readers are encouraged to appreciate the richness of diverse perspectives and to participate actively in building stronger, more cohesive communities.
https://stmdailynews.com/category/the-bridge
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Urbanism
LA Metro’s D Line Extension Phase 1 Officially Opens, Bringing Subway Service to Mid-Wilshire and Beverly Hills
LA Metro’s D Line Extension: LA Metro officially opens Phase 1 of the D Line Subway Extension, connecting Downtown Los Angeles, Mid-Wilshire, and Beverly Hills with three new underground stations.
The future of transportation in Los Angeles has officially arrived.
LA Metro’s D Line Extension Phase 1 Officially Opens
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) officially opened Section 1 of the long-awaited D Line Subway Extension on May 8, 2026, expanding underground rail service westward through the historic Mid-Wilshire corridor and into Beverly Hills.
The 3.92-mile extension is one of Metro’s most ambitious transit infrastructure projects and marks a major milestone in Los Angeles public transportation. The new section extends subway service beyond the current Wilshire/Western station in Koreatown and introduces three new underground stations:
- Wilshire/La Brea
- Wilshire/Fairfax
- Wilshire/La Cienega
The expansion is part of Metro’s larger “Twenty-Eight by ’28” initiative designed to improve mobility across the region ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Downtown Los Angeles to Beverly Hills in About 20 Minutes
With the extension now open, riders can travel from Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles to Beverly Hills in approximately 20 minutes with no transfers required.
The D Line extension is expected to significantly improve travel along the heavily congested Wilshire Boulevard corridor, offering commuters, visitors and residents a faster and more reliable alternative to driving.
“Traveling through Mid-Wilshire to experience the culture, cuisine and commerce across diverse neighborhoods will be easier, faster and more accessible,” said Fernando Dutra, Metro Board Chair and City of Whittier Council Member.
Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins also highlighted the importance of the project in connecting Angelenos to some of the city’s most iconic destinations.
“Angelenos and visitors alike will love the extended service from Downtown Los Angeles to Beverly Hills, delivering greater access to the iconic and culturally diverse communities, institutions and destinations that define the deep history along Wilshire Boulevard,” Wiggins said.
New Stations Connect Riders to Cultural Landmarks
Wilshire/La Brea Station
Located near Hancock Park and the western edge of Koreatown, the station provides access to cultural and entertainment destinations including:
- Korean Cultural Center
- Marciano Art Foundation
- Ebell Theater
- Popular restaurants including Republique and Sycamore Kitchen
Wilshire/Fairfax Station
Known as the heart of Museum Row, this station serves some of Los Angeles’ most recognizable cultural institutions and attractions, including:
- Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
- Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
- Petersen Automotive Museum
- La Brea Tar Pits
- The Grove
- Original Farmers Market
The station also connects neighborhoods including Little Ethiopia, Park La Brea and the historic Fairfax District.
Wilshire/La Cienega Station
Serving as the eastern gateway to Beverly Hills, the station provides convenient access to Restaurant Row and destinations including the Beverly Center.
A Major Milestone for Los Angeles Transit
The D Line extension has been decades in the making and is widely considered one of the most important transit projects in Los Angeles history.
The project was funded primarily through Measure R, the voter-approved transportation sales tax passed in 2008, along with substantial federal funding support that included:
- $1.25 billion Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA)
- $66.4 million supplemental New Starts funding
- $749.3 million TIFIA loan
All three stations feature modern amenities including public artwork, enhanced lighting, cell phone service, bicycle hubs and improved pedestrian access.
Metro officials hope the extension will encourage more residents and visitors to use public transportation while helping reduce roadway congestion ahead of major international events scheduled for Los Angeles later this decade.
What’s Next for the D Line?
Construction is already underway on future phases of the D Line extension.
Phase 2 will continue west into Beverly Hills and Century City, while Phase 3 will eventually extend subway service to UCLA and the West Los Angeles VA campus.
Once completed, the D Line will provide a direct subway connection between Downtown Los Angeles and the Westside, dramatically reshaping mobility across one of Southern California’s busiest corridors.
Learn More
For official project details and station information, visit:
Metro D Line Opening Information
Stay connected with STM Daily News for the latest updates on Los Angeles transportation, Metro expansion projects, infrastructure developments, local news, technology, culture, and more. Visit STM Daily News for breaking stories, in-depth coverage, and exclusive content from across Southern California and beyond.
Last Updated on May 4, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Cinco de Mayo is a holiday that commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. In the United States, the holiday has become a celebration of Mexican-American culture and heritage, often involving parades, parties, and traditional foods such as tacos and margaritas.
How will you celebrate Cinco de Mayo?
https://stmdailynews.com/category/the-bridge/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinco_de_Mayo
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Blog
The Substitute Teacher Who Wanted Blueprints of Our House
A fifth-grade assignment took a strange turn when a substitute teacher asked students to draw schematics of their homes. What followed — a wildly fictional floor plan and a priceless reaction from my mom — turned into one of my funniest childhood memories.
The Substitute Teacher Who Wanted Blueprints of Our House
Elementary school memories tend to blend together — cafeteria pizza, playground arguments, the eternal struggle of times tables — but every once in a while, something happens that sticks with you for life. For me, that moment came in the fifth grade during a week when our regular teacher was out, and we cycled through substitute teachers like we were testing models for durability.
By midweek, in walked a substitute with a mysterious, slightly intense energy — the kind of vibe that suggested he either meditated at dawn or worked a graveyard shift doing something he couldn’t talk about. We settled into our seats, expecting worksheets or quiet reading time.
But nope.
He had other plans.
“Today,” he announced, “we’re going to draw schematics of our houses.”
Schematics. Not drawings. Not little houses with smoke coming out of the chimney. Actual blueprint-style schematics. He wanted the layout of our bedrooms, our parents’ rooms, and where the pets slept. Every detail.
Now, to be fair, Highlights Magazine did have a feature that month teaching kids how to draw floor plans. So maybe he was just a bit overenthusiastic about cross-curricular learning. Or maybe — and this is my completely rhetorical adult theory — he worked the graveyard shift as a cat burglar gathering intel between heists. Just moonlighting between blueprints.
While the rest of the class tried their best to recreate their actual homes, my imagination sprinted in a totally different direction. The house I drew had:
- A massive master bedroom with an oversized bathroom for my parents
- Separate bedrooms for us kids on the opposite side of the house
- A kitchen placed right in the center like a command center
- And the dog — the true VIP — had a luxurious two-story doghouse
I had basically created a dream home designed by a 10-year-old watching too much Fantasy Homes by the Yard.
Later that day, my mom asked the usual question: “So, what did you guys do today?”
“We drew schematics of our house,” I said casually.
The look on her face was instant and intense. She wasn’t panicked, but there was definitely a “Why does a substitute teacher need to know the exact layout of my home?” expression happening. Parental instincts activated.
But then I showed her my diagram.
She stared at it. Blinked. Then sighed with massive relief.
“This isn’t our house,” she said.
“Nope! I made it up,” I replied proudly.
Her shoulders relaxed so much she probably lost five pounds of tension in one instant. If the substitute was secretly planning a heist, my masterpiece of misinformation would have sent him to the wrong house entirely.
Looking back, the whole moment feels like a sitcom setup — a mysterious substitute collecting “house schematics,” me creating a completely fictional piece of architecture, and my mom going on a full emotional journey in under 30 seconds.
Maybe he was just excited about the Highlights Magazine floor-plan activity. Or maybe — just maybe — he moonlighted in cat burglary. We’ll never know.
But if he was, I like to think I threw him completely off the scent.
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