Experience Unlimited (or simply E.U.) is a Washington, D.C.-based go-go band that enjoyed its height of popularity in the 1980s and early 1990s. Fronted by lead singer/bassist Gregory "Sugarbear" Eliot, the group has had a fluctuating membership over the years, but they have maintained a fairly loyal following. The band's biggest hit was 1988's "Da Butt" which charted at number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was also featured in the movie School Daze, was ranked #489 on Blender Magazine's "500 Greatest Songs Since You Were Born" and #61 on VH1's 100 Greatest One-Hit Wonders of the 80s. In the hourly intros for the latter program, Sugarbear says he is proud to be a one-hit wonder.
Experience Unlimited experienced a resurgence in the mid to late nineties by partnering with legendary Jazz, gospel, pops and gospel session singer Maiesha Rashad while performing under the name Maiesha and The Hip Huggers featuring E.U. Maiesha and The Hip Huggers have headlined events and concert venues such as BB King's Blues Club and Grill, D.A.R. Constitution Hall, Black Family Reunion and D.C.'s Stone Soul Picnic and Unifest.[1]
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Formed in the early 70's by Charles stephenson-Experience Unlimited Band and Show recorded their first album which included Gregory Elliott-bass, Clarence Smith-saxophone, Donald Fields-Lead Guitar, Donna M Taylor-vocalist on "People", Melva Adams-Vocalist, Greyland Hunter-Trombone, Micheal-Keyboards, Phil Harris-horn, Anthony-Drums and Wayne Davis who coached the vocals at the studio recording in Falls Church, Virginia. the album truly was before their time and became a spiritual awakening for the group who had the opportunity to perform for authoratative figures and gain experience in learning about people and different cultures. Chris Curle from channel 7 news did a report on the group after their turbulent rise from rags to becoming mature. The first released album did not fair well but is truly an accomplishment far beyond the bands imagination. Most of the band members are now settled and are raising their families but continue the unity in the community.
| Year | Title | Chart Positions | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billboard Hot 100 | US Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles | US Hot Dance Club Play | US R&B Singles | ||
| 1988 | "Da Butt '89" | 35 | 4 | 23 | 1 |
| 1989 | "Buck Wild" | - | 47 | - | 7 |
| "Livin' Large" | - | - | - | 63 | |
| "Taste of Your Love" | - | - | - | 4 | |
| 1990 | "I Confess" | - | - | - | 27 |
| Preceded by "Get Outta My Dreams, Get into My Car" by Billy Ocean |
"Da Butt" Billboard Hot Black Singles number-one single April 23, 1988 |
Succeeded by "Nite and Day" by Al B. Sure |