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Hi-Fi Set
Japanese musical group (1974–1994) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Hi-Fi Set was a Japanese recording group formed in 1974, and later disbanded in 1994. The group's line-up consisted of Junko Yamamoto, Toshihiko Yamamoto and Shigeru Okawa.
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History
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Early Years: Debut
In September 1974, the folk group known as Red Bird was disbanded due to creative differences. Later, former members of the group Junko Yamamoto (vocal guitar), Toshihiko Yamamoto (guitar), and Shigeru Okawa (bass) decided to form their own group known as Hi-Fi Set.
Breakthrough
Recording a new set of tracks, the group returned in 1975 with a Yumi Arai written song "Graduation Photo" which was released simultaneously with the group debut album of the same name in the same year. Throughout the year, the group re-recorded a series of Arai's song's who wrote for their album, songs such as "Cold Rain" and "Smile in the Morning Sun" which was later covered by Arai herself, these songs helped the group gain some momentum.
In 1977, Brazilian singer-songwriter Morris Albert's "Feelings" was covered by the group and it became an instant hit, the same year the group also made an appearance at the New Year annual TV special NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen. Since then, with outstanding vocal work by Junko Yamamoto's soprano, Toshihiko Yamamoto's tenor, and Shigeru Okawa's bass voice, and an urban and sophisticated arrangement sound, the group became a very popular folk group during the heyday of new music in Japan.
During the early years in their careers, the quartet performed as opening acts for established artists of the time as the likes of Miwako Hiromatsu. The group also gained fame with hits such "My Beautiful Music" and "Sky Restaurant" which was sampled by American recording rapper J. Cole,[1] these hit songs helped spur the group career and helped introduce them to a wider audience. In 1980, the group went into a hiatus but resumed a year later with their music, breaking a record by being the first act in Japanese music history to sing 4-beat jazz with Japanese composition.
In 1984, "I want to be honest" was released, the song became the group's most commercially successful song. With 26 single songs and 19 albums released throughout their active years as a group, In 1994 the group officially announced their disbandment and was later disbanded, going on their separate ways.
Disbandment: Aftermath
Throughout the years, Junko Yamamoto was active as a singer/songwriter.[2][3]
After disbanding, Toshihiko Yamamoto continued his career as a music producer until his death in March 27, 2014.[4]
In 1995, Shigeru Okawa was arrested for an attempted theft at a supermarket in Aoba-ku, Yokohama. However, he was not charged. Ever since the group's disbandment, he never returned to music again.[5][6]
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Members
- Junko Yamamoto (b. December 30, 1949), was born in Tenkawa-mura, Yoshino-gun, Nara Prefecture.
- Toshihiko Yamamoto (February 23, 1947 – March 27, 2014), he was born in Osaka.
- Shigeru Okawa (b. September 6, 1945), was born in Mie Prefecture.
Discography
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Albums
Singles
Live album
Videography
Other songs/ Projects
Unreleased songs
- "Joy" – Toyota Motor Corporation- Toyota Carina/Carina CM song (lyric: Yu Akyu, composer: Yasuhiro Suzuki]].1988)
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NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen participation history
- Notes
- The appearance order is expressed as "Appearance order / Number of contestants".
References
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