[7] After winning the university's annual freshman talent contest, they played at fraternity parties as well as a weekend gig at the Black Forest Inn, one of a few clubs in Tuskegee that catered to college students.

They performed cover tunes and some original songs with their first singer, James Ingram (not the famous solo artist).

[7] Ingram, older than the rest of the band, left to serve in Vietnam, and was later replaced by drummer Walter "Clyde" Orange, who wrote or co-wrote many of their hits.

The early band was managed by Benny Ashburn,[7] who brought them to his family's vacation lodge on Martha's Vineyard in 1971 and 1972.

"Machine Gun" (1974), the instrumental title track from the band's debut album,[7] became a staple at American sporting events,[8] and is also heard in many films, including Boogie Nights and Looking for Mr.

Another 1974 song "I Feel Sanctified" has been called a "prototype" of Wild Cherry's 1976 big hit "Play That Funky Music".

After those recordings the group developed the mellower sound hinted at in their 1976 top-ten hits, "Sweet Love" and "Just to Be Close to You".

They performed the song "Too Hot ta Trot" during the dance contest; the songs "Brick House" and "Easy" were also played in the movie In 1982, the group decided to take a hiatus from touring and recording, during which time Lionel Richie recorded a solo album at the suggestion of Motown and the other group members.

Its success encouraged Richie to pursue a solo career,[7] and Skyler Jett replaced him as co-lead singer.

[11] Founding member McClary left in 1984 (shortly after Richie) to pursue a solo career,[7] and to develop a gospel music company.

Reynolds departed for Earth, Wind & Fire in 1987, which prompted trumpeter William "WAK" King to take over primary guitar duties for live performances.

Keyboardist Milan Williams exited the band in 1989 after allegedly refusing to tour South Africa.

[14] The Commodores were on a European tour performing at Wembley Arena, London, on June 25, 2009, when they walked off the stage after they were told that Michael Jackson had died.