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**Heatwave Biography** Heatwave was an international disco-funk group formed in Europe in the mid-1970s. Founded by Johnnie Wilder, an American serviceman who remained in West Germany after his discharge, the group initially performed in local clubs before moving to the UK. There, Wilder met Rod Temperton through a newspaper ad, and they, along with Johnnie's brother Keith, formed the band originally called Chicago Heatwave. After signing with GTO Records in 1976, they recorded their first singles, which initially failed to gain traction in the UK. However, their third single, "Boogie Nights," became an iconic disco anthem and peaked at #2 in the US in early 1977. Their follow-up single, "Always and Forever," became an R&B classic, reaching #18. Rod Temperton, the band's writer and keyboardist, later wrote hit songs for Michael Jackson and contributed to Heatwave’s success with another top ten single, "The Groove Line," in 1978. The band faced several tragedies, beginning with Mario Mantese, who was stabbed in November 1977 and fell into a coma for five weeks. Upon awakening, he was blind, paralyzed, and mute but eventually regained his abilities after a long recovery. In 1979, founding member Johnnie Wilder was paralyzed from the neck down in a serious car accident, leading to JD Nicholas replacing him for live performances. The band released the single "Gangsters

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