Southern All Stars (サザンオールスターズ), also known by the abbreviations Sazan , is a Japanese rock band that first formed in 1974. Keisuke Kuwata (Lead vocals) is very famous in Japan.
In their early days, the band changed its name frequently. Finally, when keyboardist Yuko Hara (who would become Kuwata’s wife in 1982) joined the group, they chose a permanent name, Southern All Stars.
After several changes of members, they tried for the contest of amateur musicians. At this contest, Kuwata won a prize for the “best vocalist”.
In 1978, their debut single “Katte ni Sindbad” was released. Its title was named after two hit songs in 1977, “Katte ni Shiyagare” by Kenji Sawada and “Nagisa no Sindbad” by Pink Lady.
♪ Tsunami ♪ (covered by Debbie Gibson)
In addition, the release date of their debut single was Sawada’s 29th birthday. The song featured Kuwata’s impressive coarse-grained vocals like a tongue twister. To promote their first single, they appeared on various TV programs.
The weird costumes they dressed in and their eccentric performance made an unforgettable impact on listeners. Their single gradually climbed the charts.
In 1979, “Itoshi no Ellie”, their third single released , was sufficient to overturn their comedic public image. This pop-ballad was highly regarded by many Japanese music critics and artists.
The song is regarded as one of the most notable songs by the Southern All Stars. In 1988, a cover version by Ray Charles (as “Ellie My Love”) was featured in TV-CM. It was released as a single in Japan only.The cover version by Charles became the best-selling single performed by a Western artist in 1989.
♪ Ellie, My Love ♪ (covered by Aiza Seguerra)
Ray Charles’s charm
Final remark
Several decades passed from their debut. They still continue running the top.
Southern All Stars are perhaps the most successful of all Japan’s pop/rock acts. “Tsunami” to over 3 million in all, making it the third best-selling single ever in Japan.
Their lively performances had earned them a reputation as something of a comic band, but this hit marked them out as a group to take seriously. The band’s longevity and staying power…Incredible!
♪ Manatsu no Kajitsu ♪ (covered by Ayaka)
♪ Snow White ♪ (covered by BOYZ ll MEN)
【The legendary singer】Kyu Sakamoto who was gone in a plane accident 〜 Let’s walk facing up! Princess Princess 〜 a haunting melody and awesome singing voice 【Fukuyama Masaharu】Asian J-pop Star who played the most popular samurai 【Misora Hibari 】Asian Genius Enka Singer who is like an angel of revival after the war