House Music History 101: Inner City
Inner City
Inner City is an American electronic music group that played a significant role in the development and popularization of house music, particularly in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Formed in Detroit, Michigan, the group was primarily composed of producer and DJ Kevin Saunderson and vocalist Paris Grey. As of more recently, the group contains Kevin Saunderson, Dantiez Saunderson, and lead vocalist Steffanie Christi'an. Inner City is known for their iconic sounds that combined elements of house, techno, and pop music, making house music that much more accessible to a mainstream audience.
Inner City was formed in 1987 by Kevin Saunderson, a key figure in the Detroit techno scene, and Paris Grey, a vocalist from Chicago. Saunderson, along with Juan Atkins and Derrick May, is considered one of the "Belleville Three," who were instrumental in the creation of Detroit techno.
Inner City's single "Big Fun" (1988) became an international hit, reaching the top charts in multiple countries. This established the group's reputation in the electronic dance music world. Their follow-up single "Good Life" (1988) was even more successful, becoming a classic house anthem and one of the most recognizable tracks in the genre.
For those who are unfamiliar with Inner City, the best way to get yourself in check is to play their hit “Good Life” and you will quickly be brought back to life… literally. This song is one of Inner City’s most iconic tracks - from the infectious beat combined with the catchy lyrics, this track is a perfect representation of a GOOD track. “Good Life” was released in 1988, and still manages to circulate in today’s house music scene. Beyond this, new artists have even taken their own twists on the track and re-vamped them, keeping the good vibes alive.
Their debut album, "Paradise" (1989), included several other hits like "Ain't Nobody Better" and "Do You Love What You Feel." Inner City continued to produce successful tracks throughout the 1990s, with songs like "Pennies from Heaven" (1992) and "Hallelujah" (1993) making sure to maintain their status in the dance music scene.
Inner City's music and sound is uplifting and melodic, perfectly blending house beats with techno influences and best of all, catchy vocal lines. Their sound was monumental in bringing house and dance music to the forefront, especially for more mainstream listeners.
Inner City's success played a crucial role in the global spread of house music, particularly in Europe where their tracks were extremely popular. Their music is often credited with helping to establish Detroit as a vital hub for electronic music, influencing countless artists in the house and techno scene.
Inner City's blend of house and techno stands as a blueprint for future generations of electronic music producers. Kevin Saunderson's contributions to both Inner City and the broader Detroit techno scene have been widely recognized and celebrated within the electronic music community.
Until this very day, Inner City remains an influential and iconic group in the history of house music. Their incredible sound and evident success helped shape the house genre and showcase it to a wider audience, ensuring their place in house and dance music history.
