Band of Oz

The Band of Oz is recognized as one of the enduring acts in Carolina beach music, a genre rooted in soul, R&B, and the shag dance culture of the Carolinas. The group began in eastern North Carolina, formed by grammar and junior high school friends who initially performed as The Avengers. By the early 1970s, the band adopted the name Band of Oz and transitioned to a professional lineup, primarily composed of members from the Greenville, North Carolina Rose High School Stage Band. The lineup included Chuck French on trumpet, Gary Warren on saxophone, Randy Hignite on keyboards, Jim Heidenreich on drums, Johnnie Byrd on bass, Buddy Johnson on vocals, and Keith Houston on guitar.

In the late 1970s, Band of Oz focused on the Carolinas, recording and releasing their first single, "Shaggin'," written by Billy Bazemore and Keith Houston. This single was followed by "Star of My Life," which received national radio airplay. The band collaborated with General Johnson to produce their first album, which featured tracks such as "Ocean Boulevard," "Shaggin'," and "Southern Belles." "Ocean Boulevard" was voted Beach Music Song of the Year, and the group received Best New Group at the Beach Music Awards.

Throughout the 1980s, Band of Oz performed between 200 and 300 shows annually, building a dedicated following across the Southeast and establishing a reputation as a leading live act in the region. In the mid-1990s, the band released the CD "Let It Roll," which included "Shama Lama Ding Dong," recognized as the People's Choice Song of the Year at the Cammy Awards and a frequently requested beach music song.

Band of Oz has been inducted into the Beach Music Hall of Fame and the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. The group also received the WRAL Voters' Choice Award for best local music artist. Senior members of the band have been honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards by the Carolina Beach Music Awards. These honors highlight the band's influence and cultural significance within the Carolina beach music scene.

Band of Oz continues to entertain audiences with a horn-driven sound and dynamic stage presence, delivering performances characterized by tight harmonies, upbeat rhythms, and coastal soul. The band remains a fixture at festivals and dance venues across the Southeast, blending classic oldies with contemporary hits to engage multiple generations of fans.