Nu Shooz is an American band formed in 1979 by guitarist John Smith. Initially, the band started as a jazz-funk group and gained recognition with their 1982 debut album, ‘Can’t Turn It Off.’ Despite a significant change in the lineup post their debut, John Smith and vocalist/percussionist Valerie Day remained the core members of the band. They transitioned with the musical trends and released the EP ‘Tha’s Right’ in 1984, incorporating various styles, including pop-oriented R&B. Their track ‘I Can’t Wait’ gained regional popularity and later achieved mainstream success after a Dutch remix by DJ Peter Slaghuis.
The pivotal moment for Nu Shooz came when their song ‘I Can’t Wait’ was re-circulated by Atlantic Records, leading to a breakthrough with the track reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 in June 1986. Subsequently, their follow-up single ‘Point of No Return’ also performed well on the charts, solidifying the band’s success. The success of these tracks propelled their second album, ‘Poolside,’ to gold-selling status in the U.S. Despite facing challenges with their 1988 album ‘Told U So,’ Nu Shooz continued to perform and reignited their music career after a hiatus, releasing albums like ‘Pandora’s Box’ and ‘Kung Pao Kitchen.’ Individually, John Smith ventured into composing music for films and advertisements, whereas Valerie Day explored big-band/swing music and taught at Portland State University.
Nu Shooz’s iconic track ‘I Can’t Wait’ remained a classic in the mid-’80s pop music scene, being sampled, covered, and featured in various movies and TV shows over the years. The band’s enduring legacy and musical contributions have cemented their place in the music industry, showcasing their ability to adapt to changing trends while staying true to their unique sound.