BIOGRAPHY

Deriving their name from a lyric in the Sam Cooke soul classic “Twistin’ the Night Away,” The Chicken Slacks are dedicated to the re-creation of an authentic soul revue show featuring a tight rhythm section, gritty horns, and a stirring star vocalist. These forces combine to create a powerful stage presence and big sound to which audiences immediately respond. The band delivers high-energy music for people to dance, romance, bump, grind, sway, stumble, sing along, reminisce, celebrate, and get down.

Featuring New Orleans native Diamond Durand Wilkerson on vocals, the Chicken Slacks are Boston area musicians who have toured nationally and internationally. They make an immediate impression on their audiences and clients with their contemporary look, professional work ethic and dedication to the classic live soul revue tradition.

The Chicken Slacks not only entertain the masses at the hottest clubs around, but they can also make your private function a night to remember. Whether it’s a wedding, special fundraiser event, or just a great party, the Slacks will have everyone getting down! The musicians can also perform as a small jazz combo for a cocktail hour or smaller occasion. Although the band is not your typical variety band, their state of the art sound system can accommodate more contemporary dance music on their breaks for a DJ effect. Moreover, their bandleader can act as the emcee for evening.
What is SOUL music?

There are many definitions, but it began with Ray Charles and Sam Cooke, spread through Memphis with STAX records and Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Rufus Thomas, and the gang. It made its way to MUSCLE SHOALS with Wilson Picket and Aretha Franklin. The MOTOWN sound has a soul thing, with Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. James Brown and Sly and the Family Stone took soul and made it into FUNK, paving the way for Tower of Power and Blood Sweat and Tears. Soul also morphed into R&B and disco, with Michael Jackson and the Bee Gees among the champions. Within this musical milieu are the names and songs we all know and love, but also hundreds of forgotten tunes by forgotten soulsters just as worthy to be performed and just as great to dance to. It’s all about the groove. This is SOUL. This is what they do.