Jamiroquai consists of Jay Kay (on vocals), Stuart Zender (on bass), Derrick McKenzie (on drums), Toby Smith (on keyboards), and Wallis Buchanan. The leader of Jamiroquai, Jay Kay, grew up around music with a jazz singing mother. In 1992, Kay formed Jamiroquai and soon was heard in clubs around England and with their first single "When You Gonna Learn?" The band had begun taking England by storm with their mix of funk, dance, soul, and hip hop rhythms.
Jamiroquai released Emergency On Planet Earth after signing with Sony Records with an 8 record deal. The LP topped the album charts in England and the band was a success in their homeland - making them the top selling debut British act of the year. Other tracks on the LP include "Too Young Too Die" and "Revolution 1993."
Jamiroquai were nominated for 5 Brit Awards for Best Album (Emergency On Planet Earth), Best British Dance Act, Best British Group, Best British Newcomers, and Best Video
Jamiroquai released The Return Of The Space Cowboy. The Source said of the LP: "...a mixture of acid jazz-like keyboards with an overlay of bright horns and hard baselines... this group may still be light years ahead of the hip-hop world..." Success in England and even Japan continued for the band, but American audiences where still hard to reach.
Jamiroquai topped the Billboard Hot Dance Music Club Play chart for a week with "Space Cowboy."
Jamiroquai released Travelling Without Moving. Jamiroquai emerged from their U.K. fame with their third LP and the success of their video for "Virtual Insanity." The track also became their first American Top 40 hit and hit the Top 3 in England. Other tracks on the LP included "Alright" and "Cosmic Girl."
At the start of the year, Kay found some problems at an airport in Madrid when complaints over lost luggage reportedly resulted in an arrest for disturbing the peace.
The next much anticipated LP release by Jamiroquai, Synkronized, happened along with a tour in England and the U.S. - starting in California. Kay has said the LP has "more boogie factor." Jamiroquai could be heard on the benefit LP No Boundaries: A Benefit For The Kosovar Refugeeswith "Wolf In Sheep's Clothing."
Jamiroquai performed at Woodstock '99 in Rome, New York The band hit the Top 40 with "Canned Heat." Synkronized topped the UK Album chart for a week. Jamiroquai were nominated for 2 Brit Awards for Best British Video for Deeper Underground" and Best British Dance Act.
Jamiroquai was nominated for a VH1 Fashion Award for the Visionary Video Award. "Canned Heat" topped the Billboard Club Play chart for a week.
Jamiroquai were nominated for 2 MTV Europe Music Awards for Best Group and Best Dance Artist.
Jamiroquai made the news when it was revealed that Jay Kay opted to celebrate New Year's Eve with his fianc�e and turned down a million-dollar gig in the U.S.
Jamiroquai released their next LP, A Funk Odyssey. A Funk Odyssey topped the UK LP charts for 2 weeks and the Billboard Electronic Albums chart for a week.
Kay was charged with common assault and criminal damage after an altercation with a photographer in London.
Charges against Kay for assault and damage were dropped.
Jamiroquai topped the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart with "Runaway." Kay announced he was retiring from music saying he was bored and stated: "I might be back if I get my inspiration again, but who knows. All I'm going to do now is fly my helicopter and look for the right lady to have children with."
April 7: Jamiroquai will release Automaton. Tracks: "Shake It On" - "Automaton" - "Cloud 9" - "Suerfresh" - "Hot Property" - "Somehting About You" - "Summer Girl" - "Night Out In The Jungle" - "Dr. Buzz" - "We Can Do It" - "Vitamin" - "Carla" available for download at iTunes and Amazon.mp3 available on vinyl
Jamiroquai consists of Jay Kay (on vocals), Stuart Zender (on bass), Derrick McKenzie (on drums), Toby Smith (on keyboards), and Wallis Buchanan. The leader of Jamiroquai, Jay Kay, grew up around music with a jazz singing mother. In 1992, Kay formed Jamiroquai and soon was heard in clubs around England and with their first single "When You Gonna Learn?" The band had begun taking England by storm with their mix of funk, dance, soul, and hip hop rhythms.
# 136 Singles Artist of the Year
April 7: Jamiroquai will release Automaton.