Lakeside
Lakeside is an American funk band from Dayton, Ohio, renowned for their 1980 number one R&B hit "Fantastic Voyage." Formed in 1969, the group evolved from earlier local acts like the Nomads and Young Underground, blending self-contained instrumentation with high-energy performances.
Guitarist Stephen Shockley started as the Young Underground after leaving the Monterreys, then teamed with vocalist Mark Adam Wood Jr. from the Nomads. By 1971, they became Ohio Lakeside Express with additions like Thomas Shelby and Shirley Wood, later simplifying to Lakeside.
After early deals with Curtom and ABC Records faltered, Lakeside signed with Dick Griffey's Solar Records. Their 1977 single "It's All the Way Live" hit number four on the R&B charts, followed by hits like "Raid" and the platinum-selling "Fantastic Voyage," which coined Dayton as the "Land of Funk."
Classic Lineup:- Mark Adam Wood Jr.: lead vocals, keyboards (1969–2015); Stephen Shockley: guitar (1969–present); Thomas Shelby: vocals (1970–1983, 2007–present); Marvin Craig: bass (1973–present); Fred Alexander Jr.: drums (1977–present); Others included Norman Beavers (keyboards), Otis Stokes (guitar/vocals), and Fred Lewis (percussion, d. 2023).
The original Lakeside received induction into the Dayton Region Walk of Fame on September 24, 2025, honoring their enduring funk legacy alongside figures like Rob Lowe. The band, now led by figures like Mark Wood as trademark owner, continues touring with classics from nine studio albums over four decades.
Rough Riders
Written-By – Stephen Shockley
4:45
A2 All In My Mind
Written-By – Otis Stokes, Stephen Shockley, Tiemeyer McCain
4:42
A3 If You Like Our Music (Get Up And Move)
Written-By – Otis Stokes, Stephen Shockley
4:33
A4 I Can't Get You Out Of My Head
Written-By – Norman Beavers
5:36
B1 Pull My Strings
Written-By – Fred Lewis
6:54
B2 I'll Never Leave You
Written-By – Bryan Evans, Tiemeyer McCain
6:15
B3 From 9:00 Until
Written-By – Otis Stokes
6:04
Label: Solar – BXL1-3490
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1979
Genre:R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Seventies Soul, Disco
Lakeside's 1979 album Rough Riders is a funk/R&B record known for its cohesive Western theme, dynamic harmonies, and strong dance tracks like "Pull My Strings," solidifying the band's place in the late 70s funk scene with slick production and infectious energy, praised for its irresistible grooves and cinematic feel despite some critics finding the material a bit formulaic compared to later hits.
The album features a full-blown Western concept, reflected in its dynamic, cowboy-themed cover art by Drew Struzan, creating a cinematic experience.
It blends funk and R&B with strong vocal harmonies, pinpoint rhythms, and power funk chords, showcasing a versatile show band adept at various grooves.
Rough Riders helped establish Lakeside as a leading funk unit, building on their previous work and paving the way for their breakout hit "Fantastic Voyage". Notable songs include "Pull My Strings" and "If You Like Our Music (Get Up and Move)".
While fans loved its catchy tunes and danceable numbers, some critics found the material a bit uninspired, though still competent for the era.
In essence, Rough Riders is considered a classic funk record that delivered infectious, listen-friendly tracks and solidified Lakeside's reputation as a premier funk band, even if it wasn't their biggest commercial success.