There is more than one artist with this name: 1. A 1970s funk band, best known for launching the career of their lead singer, Chaka Khan. Major hits during their career include "Tell Me Something Good," "Sweet Thing," and "Ain't Nobody" . 2. A Czech band from Litomy
The Blackbyrds was a rhythm and blues and jazz-funk fusion group, formed in Washington, D.C. in 1973. The group was led by trumpeter Donald Byrd and featured some of his Howard University students: Kevin Toney (keyboards), Keith Killgo (vocals, drums), Joe Hall (bass guitar), Allan Barnes (saxophone, clarinet), and Barney Perry (guitar). Orville Saunders (guitar), and Jay Jones (flute, saxophone) were later members of the group. They signed to Fantasy Records in 1973. They are best known for their 1975 hit "Walking in Rhythm", which received a Grammy nomination.