Formed in 1979 by guitarist John Smith, Nu Shooz originated as a stage-sharpened jazz-funk band. The Portland, Oregon-based act eventually underwent a major change in membership, but Smith and vocalist/percussionist Valerie Day remained its core. They adapted to contemporary trends by mixing dance-pop and R&B and scored a number three pop hit in 1986 with "I Can't Wait." Poolside, its parent album, was propelled into gold-selling status in the U.S. The group was nominated for a Grammy but were unable to sustain that momentum. During the 2000s, after an extended break that followed 1988's Told U So, Smith and Day revived Nu Shooz. ~ Andy Kellman