Living Colour

During the 1980s, rock had become completely segregated and predictable; the opposite of the late 60s/early 70s, when such musically and ethnically varied artists as Jimi Hendrix, Sly & the Family Stone, and Santana ruled the Earth. But bands such as New Yorks Living Colour helped break down the doors by the end of the 80s, leading to a much more open-minded musical landscape that would eventually pave the way for future bands (Rage Against the Machine, Sevendust, etc.). The group (singer Corey Glover, guitarist Vernon Reid, bassist Muzz Skillings, and drummer Will Calhoun) first formed in the mid-80s, with Reid being the only member with real prior band experience; he was a member of Ronald Shannon Jacksons experimental jazz outfit, and had recorded with Defunkt, Public Enemy, as well as issuing a solo album with Bill Frisell, 1984s Smash & Scatteration.