Change is an Italian-American post-disco group formed in Bologna, Italy, in 1979 by businessman and executive producer Jacques Fred Petrus (1948–1987) and Mauro Malavasi (born 1957).
Change was initially formed in early 1979 as a studio band with a revolving stable of musicians, led by businessman and executive producer Jacques Fred Petrus, with the majority of songwriting and production carried out by Mauro Malavasi and Davide Romani.
These backing tracks were then sent to the USA where vocals were added by American performers, before being mixed into finalised versions in major studios such as the Power Station in New York City.
It was composed by a small team of writers consisting of Romani, Malavasi, Paolo Gianolio (lead guitarist), Tanyayette Willoughby, Paul Slade, and Wayne Garfield.
During the recording of and touring for their fourth album, This Is Your Time (1983), Change's relatively stable line-up of performers, writers, and producers, as well as their commercial success, faltered.
After the album's release Rick Brennan stepped into the Robinson's role, who left to pursue a solo career, while producers Davide Romani and Mauro Malavasi departed for other projects.
Simultaneous to these important departures, Change was bolstered by the contributions of bassist and songwriter Timmy Allen and returning vocalist Deborah Cooper, now promoted to lead, both of whom remained in the band until its demise.
Petrus wisely hired recently sacked Time members Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis to write and produce what would become Change of Heart in 1984.
While the original Change disappeared after Petrus’ death, Davide Romani, Mike Francis (Francesco Puccioni), and Patrick Boothe attempted to revive the project in 1990.
This new Change project was planned for a release on BMG North America under the name X-Change in 1992, but due to budgetary issues, the album was left unreleased.