Commodores emerged in 1968 at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama to become famous for their unique fusion of funk and soul music with smooth balladry. The original members of the group included Lionel Richie alongside Thomas McClary, William King, Ronald LaPread, Milan Williams and Walter Orange who formed the core elements of their musical sound and energetic performances. Motown signed the group during the early 1970s which led them to become one of the label's leading crossover acts that achieved chart success in both R&B and pop genres.

The dance floors of every club became home to their funk-driven hits starting with “Machine Gun” and “Brick House” because of their tight grooves and horn-laden arrangements.