By 1982, Arrington had been in Slave for almost five years and was ready to go solo.

He formed his band simply called "Steve Arrington's Hall of Fame" and went to work on their debut album.

Reviewing the album in Record, Vince Aletti called Steve Arrington's Hall of Fame, Vol.

1 "not just the best funk debut of the year so far, but an album appealing and original enough that even veterans will find it hard to beat."

He picked "Nobody Can Be You" as the highlight for its unexpectedly introspective lyrics and tight instrumental production, but said that the entire album is full of fresh songs which eschew funk cliches and benefit from Arrington's unpredictable vocals, commenting that, "Arrington's singing keeps you on edge, alert to its changing coloration, its swift kicks and cool caresses, often delivered when you least expect them.