The 27’s – Arlester "Dyke" Christian 1943 - 1971

Part 11 in a series on “The 27’s” – notable musicians who have passed away in their 27th year.

Arlester "Dyke" Christian was the front man and vocalist for the band Dyke and the Blazers. They are most notably remembered for their song, "Funky Broadway - Part I" which was later covered and a #1 hit on the R&B charts for Wilson Picket. The song is remembered as the first time the word “Funky” was used in a title.

Christian had grown up in the street gangs of Buffalo, New York and worked the chitlin' circuit eventually touring the O’Jays and their backing band, The Blazers. While performing in Phoenix, Arizona the O’Jays ran out of money to continue their tour and left the band and Arlester stranded in Phoenix where they took up residence. "Funky Broadway" was inspired by the club scene present at the time on Broadway Road in Phoenix.

The band eventually signed with Phoenix based indie label, Artco. As the band became more successful Arlester stayed close to Arizona purchasing a ranch house in Phoenix. However, he could not escape the ghosts of his past. He often associated with gamblers and developing a heroin addiction.

On March 13, 1971 Arlester got into an argument with a man named Clarence Daniels. It is believed that Daniels was a dealer and that Arlester owed him a sizable sum of money. Arlester thought that Daniels was a narc and feared that he would be reported to the police due to the debt.

That afternoon Daniels was sitting in the driver’s seat of his car and Arlester standing outside the window. As they began to argue Arlester reached through the window and grabbed Daniels. Daniels pulled a gun and shot Arlester once in the leg and then again in the chest. Arlester died shortly thereafter and despite the extenuating circumstances Daniels was acquitted of all charges having claimed he shot Arlester in self-defense.