Tchukon
| Company type | Musical ensemble |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1978 |
| Headquarters | Montreal, Quebec , Canada |
Area served | Canada, United States |
| Products | Music albums, live performances |
Tchukon was a Canadian ensemble specializing in funk and R&B, active between 1978 and 1990. Their reputation was solidified after winning CBC Television's 1985 music contest Rock Wars and securing the title of Best Vocal Group on the 1986 Star Search. They released a single album that earned a Juno Award nomination before eventually disbanding.
Background
The group's lineup featured vocalist and keyboardist Warren "Slim" Williams, singer and guitarist Kat Dyson, bassist Harold Fisher, saxophonist Ingrid Stitt, and drummer Eric Roberts. Established in 1978 when Williams, Dyson, and Roberts moved from Norfolk, Virginia to Montreal, Quebec, they later incorporated Fisher—also an American immigrant—and Stitt, the only Canadian-born member. The name "Tchukon" is derived from a Russian word symbolizing the blend of physical and cosmic realms.
Initially, Tchukon performed extensively throughout Montreal and other locations. They released the single "Plastic People" backed with "Love's Gonna Get You" and served as backup musicians for artists like Louise Portal, Michel Pagliaro, Boule Noire, Freddie James, and Véronique Béliveau. Additionally, Dyson contributed her talents to the Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir.
Rock Wars and Star Search
In 1985, Tchukon emerged victorious in Rock Wars, surpassing competitors such as Eye Eye, HB Concept, and Peter Mann and the Lonely. This win awarded them CAD 100,000 and a CBC television special that acted as their demo entry for the 1986 Star Search. On Star Search, they claimed Best Vocal Group, receiving USD 100,000 and becoming the first Canadian-based act to win a category on the program.
Their success on Star Search garnered attention from record companies, culminating in a contract with Aquarius Records. In 1986, they were nominated for a Félix Award in the Anglophone Artist of the Year category.
During this timeframe, athlete and broadcaster Sylvia Sweeney managed the band for several years.
Album
Utilizing their winnings from both Rock Wars and Star Search, Tchukon commenced writing and recording their debut album. Titled Here and Now, it was produced at Le Studio in Morin-Heights and released in June 1987. The album received a nomination for Best R&B/Soul Album at the Juno Awards of 1987.
Breakup
Work began on a follow-up album but was interrupted when several members—including Dyson—joined Donald K. Tarlton’s production of Dream of a Lifetime, a musical centered on Marvin Gaye. This involvement alongside other side projects caused a loss of momentum; although no formal disbandment was declared, the second album was never finalized or issued.
Following this period, Williams produced an album for Louise Robey, released his solo record Pony, and appeared in André Forcier’s film An Imaginary Tale (Une histoire inventée). In 1993, he earned a Gemini Award for composing the soundtrack to Sylvia Sweeney’s documentary In the Key of Oscar.
Dyson established herself as a sought-after session musician, joining Prince’s band The New Power Generation before touring with artists such as Donny, Marie, Cyndi Lauper, Pink, Seal, and George Clinton.
Stitt pursued a career in education as a music instructor at Burnaby North Secondary in British Columbia.
The group reunited briefly for a single performance in Montreal in 2013.