The band debuted as Renaissance in 1968, with a one-shot single "The Hi-Way Song" on GNP Crescendo, which did not chart.

The full line-up consisted of Tommy Reynolds (keyboards, percussion; later of Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds), Richie Hernandez (guitar), Malcolm Evans (bass), and Joe Barile (drums).

Joe Barile temporarily replaced Mel Taylor of The Ventures in 1973 .

It was actually a bigger hit in Canada, where it sneaked into the top 40, peaking at #39 on the Canadian RPM charts.

Shango was dropped by A&M after their first album, but picked up by ABC/Dunhill, and assigned to producer Steve Barri.