Zapp also known as Zapp & Roger was a funk band that emerged from Dayton, Ohio in 1977. They trademarked what is known as the the talk-box effect. This allowed for artists to modify the instrument’s sound by changing the shape of the mouth, the instrument’s output into a microphone. They gained popularity after working with Catfish Collins and Bootsy Collins, who had both been involved with Parliament-Funkadelic in the early 1970s.
Zapp & Roger was lead by Roger Troutman. He is the one that utilized the talk box sound. Terry “Zapp” Troutman was the bass and he played the keyboard. Larry Troutman played percussion. Lester Troutman played the drums. Bobby glover was also a lead and background vocals.
Zapp and Rogers was known many songs such as “More Bounce to the Ounce”, “I Want to Be Your Man” , “Computer Love” and “Slow and Easy”. My personal favorite song was “I Want to Be Your Man”. I first heard this song on “Love and Basketball” and I remember how perfect it was for the scene in the movie
