Which soul and funk band was originally called The Ohio Untouchables?

The soul and funk band originally called The Ohio Untouchables was The Ohio Players.

The musicians first came together in Dayton, Ohio, in 1959 under the name The Ohio Untouchables. The early lineup included Robert Ward, Marshall “Rock” Jones, Clarence “Satch” Satchell, Cornelius Johnson, and Ralph “Pee Wee” Middlebrooks. In that period, the group was particularly known as a backing band for the Falcons.

After changes in personnel and direction, the band became known as the Ohio Players and developed a harder, more dance-oriented funk sound. Their greatest popularity came in the 1970s, when tracks such as “Funky Worm,” “Skin Tight,” “Fire,” and “Love Rollercoaster” made them major chart acts.

The name can cause confusion because “Ohio Untouchables” describes the group’s early identity rather than a separate famous band. The Ohio Players also became known for striking album covers featuring models, including several associated with Playboy. Their Dayton roots remain central to the band’s story and name.