Rockers Revenge

Rockers Revenge emerged in 1982 as a studio musical project conceived by producer Arthur Baker. The group was primarily known for its pioneering work in freestyle music, post-disco, and electro genres. The core of the project involved Arthur Baker focusing on engineering and mixing, while Donnie Calvin provided lead vocals. Tina B, who was married to Arthur Baker, contributed backing vocals, writing, and arrangements. Dwight Hawkes also served as a backing vocalist. In 1982, Rockers Revenge achieved significant commercial success with their track “Walking on Sunshine,” an Eddy Grant composition. This song reached number 1 on the U.S. Dance Chart and peaked at number 4 in the UK Singles Chart.

The dance club mixes for their tracks were crafted by Jellybean Benitez. Following their initial success, Rockers Revenge released follow-up singles such as “The Harder They Come” in 1983 and “Living for the Weekend” in 1984, both of which also charted. “The Harder They Come” reached number 13 on the US Dance Chart and number 30 in the UK. Another track, “There Goes My Heart,” charted at number 69 on the US R&B chart. The project disbanded in 1984 due to a perceived lack of sustained chart success, leading Arthur Baker to pursue other ventures and Donnie Calvin to retire from his music career.

Despite their disbandment, the legacy of Rockers Revenge continued. In 1988, their track “Love Is on Our Side” was included on “Rough House Vol. 1,” an early house music compilation album. Their song “Battle Cry” was also featured in the 1984 film “Beat Street” and its accompanying soundtrack album. In 2005, “Walking on Sunshine” was re-released by Gossip U.S., featuring remixes by Hott 22 and Live Element, reintroducing their influential sound to new audiences. The group released an album, “The Streetwise Sessions,” in 2017.