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Sade (band)

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Sade is an influential English musical group formed in London in 1982. The band is named after its lead singer, Sade Adu. They are celebrated for a sophisticated musical style that blends several distinct genres. Their sound incorporates elements of soul, smooth jazz, and quiet storm. They are also closely associated with a style known as sophisti-pop. This combination of styles created a calm and elegant atmosphere that resonated with listeners globally.

Sade - This Far
Sade - This Far

The core membership of the band has remained remarkably consistent over several decades. Sade Adu provides the lead vocals and handles programming. Paul Denman plays the bass guitar and also manages programming. Stuart Matthewman performs on saxophones and guitars while contributing to programming. Andrew Hale plays the keyboards and piano, alongside programming duties. Interestingly, the group has not employed a permanent drummer since 1986. To complete their sound for studio recordings and live performances, they utilize various session musicians.

The band's journey began when members broke away from a Latin soul group called Pride. This original group included Sade Adu, Stuart Matthewman, Paul Denman, and drummer Paul Anthony Cooke. They made their debut performance at Ronnie Scott's Club in London in December 1982. Shortly after, they expanded their reach to the United States. They performed their first American show at Danceteria in New York City in May 1983. The lineup evolved during this early period as Andrew Hale joined on keyboards in mid-1983. Dave Early replaced Paul Anthony Cooke on drums in early 1984.

Sade's discography is marked by massive commercial success and critical acclaim. Their debut studio album, Diamond Life, was released in July 1984. It peaked at number two and spent over six months in the UK Top Ten. The album sold over four million copies and won the Brit Award for Best British Album. Their second album, Promise, released in late 1985, reached number one in both the UK and the US. This effort was certified double platinum in the UK and quadruple platinum in the US. It also earned the band their first Grammy Award.

Throughout the following decades, the band continued to release successful projects. Stronger Than Pride was released in May 1988 and reached number three in the UK. Their fourth album, Love Deluxe, arrived in November 1992 and reached number three on the US charts. In 2000, they released Lovers Rock, which won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album. Their sixth studio album, Soldier of Love, was released in 2010. This album was their first to debut at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart since Promise. It earned them a fourth Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.

The scale of their impact is reflected in impressive sales figures and industry recognition. As of 2012, their sales in the United States reached 23 million units. By 2014, their total worldwide sales were estimated at 75 million units. All of their studio albums, including compilations and live recordings, have entered the US Top Ten. Their legacy is further cemented by high rankings in music lists. VH1 ranked them at number 50 on their list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time." Additionally, they received a nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024.

Sade's influence extends into broader musical movements and popular culture. They are credited with helping to shape the neo-soul genre. This movement includes other British R&B artists such as Soul II Soul, Caron Wheeler, and Jamiroquai. The band has also contributed to various film soundtracks. For example, they recorded "Please Send Me Someone to Love" for the film Philadelphia in 1993. They also recorded "No Ordinary Love" for the film Indecent Proposal. More recently, they contributed music to the Disney film A Wrinkle in Time in 2018.

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