In 1976, the American new wave group The B-52s was founded in Athens, Georgia. Fred Schneider (vocals, percussion), Kate Pierson (vocals, keyboards, synth bass), Cindy Wilson (vocals, percussion), Ricky Wilson (guitar), and Keith Strickland made up the group’s original line-up (drums, guitar, keyboards). In 1985, after Ricky Wilson passed away from an AIDS-related illness, Strickland shifted from playing drums to lead guitar. For recordings and live performances, the band also recruited additional members.
Rock Lobster, Planet Claire, Party Out of Bounds, Private Idaho, Whammy Kiss, Summer of Love, Wig, Love Shack, Roam, and (Meet) The Flintstones are just a few of the band’s notable successes. They have received three Grammy nominations, including “Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal” in 1989, 1990, and “Best Alternative Music Album” in 1992.