C.J. and Company was a short-lived but notable American disco group from Detroit, Michigan. Known for their 1977 hit “Devil’s Gun,” the group made a brief impact on the disco scene before disbanding at the end of the decade. Their music, powered by the production of Detroit’s seasoned funk masters, offered a mix of R&B rhythms and danceable beats that briefly lit up dance floors across the U.S. and beyond.
| Artist Name | C.J. and Company |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | C.J. and Co., C.J. & Co. |
| Origin | Detroit, Michigan, USA |
| Genres | Disco, R&B |
| Years Active | 1977–1979 |
| Label | Westbound Records |
| Key Members | Curtis “CJ” Durden, Connie Durden, Charles Clark, Cornelius Brown, Joni Tolbert |
| Top Hit | “Devil’s Gun” (1977) |
| Albums | Devil’s Gun (1977), Deadeye Dick (1978) |
| Legacy | First song played at Studio 54; representative of late-1970s disco |
Formation and Lineup
C.J. and Company formed in 1977 during the peak of the disco boom. Detroit producers Dennis Coffey and Mike Theodore, known for their work with the Funk Brothers (Motown’s legendary house band), assembled the group. The lineup included:
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Curtis “CJ” Durden (lead vocalist)
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Connie Durden
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Charles Clark
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Cornelius Brown
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Joni Tolbert
They performed under various stylizations, including “C.J. and Co.” and “C.J. & Co.” The group’s blend of male and female vocals gave their sound a dynamic edge, ideal for the layered production style Coffey and Theodore specialized in.
Breakthrough with “Devil’s Gun”
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In 1977, the group released their debut single, “Devil’s Gun,” on Westbound Records. The track quickly gained traction:
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Peaked at #36 on the Billboard Hot 100
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Reached #2 on the Billboard R&B chart
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Hit #1 on the Dance chart
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Ranked #100 on Billboard’s Year-End Hot 100 of 1977
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Peaked at #43 in the UK
“Devil’s Gun” was widely played in clubs and received extensive radio airplay. The song’s infectious energy and slick production helped it become a favorite on disco playlists.
Interestingly, “Devil’s Gun” holds a unique place in pop culture. It was the first song ever played at the grand opening of Studio 54, the iconic New York City nightclub that became synonymous with disco culture.
Follow-Up Releases and Decline
Following the success of “Devil’s Gun,” C.J. and Company released additional singles, including:
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“We Got Our Own Thing” (1977)
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“Sure Can’t Go to the Moon” (1978)
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“Deadeye Dick” (1978)
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“Big City Sidewalk” (1978)
Unfortunately, none of these singles achieved the same level of success. Their subsequent releases received modest airplay but failed to chart significantly. Despite the skilled production team and a talented lineup, C.J. and Company couldn’t replicate their earlier success. The disco trend was also beginning to decline by the late ’70s, which likely contributed to the group’s fading presence.
By 1979, the group disbanded.
Albums
C.J. and Company released two full-length studio albums:
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Devil’s Gun (1977) – This debut album included the title track and other disco-infused tunes that matched the club-friendly vibe of the time.
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Deadeye Dick (1978) – A follow-up that explored funkier territory but didn’t generate the same attention or hits.
These albums are now considered collector’s items for disco enthusiasts.
Legacy
Although their time in the spotlight was brief, C.J. and Company’s “Devil’s Gun” remains a key track in disco history. It represents the sound of 1977—a blend of R&B vocals, funk instrumentation, and club-ready rhythms.
Their association with Detroit’s funk and soul legacy, especially through producers Coffey and Theodore, makes them an important footnote in the city’s musical timeline.
While the group disbanded quietly, their music continues to appear on disco compilations and playlists, especially those focusing on underground or forgotten gems from the era.
Selected Discography
Below is a list of their key single releases, including alternate formats and label details.
Singles
Sussex Records (1975)
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“Day Dreamer” / “Day Dreamer” (J. and Company)
Westbound Records
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“Daydreamer” / “Would You Believe It” (1975)
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“Devil’s Gun” / “Free To Be Me” (May 1977)
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“Devil’s Gun” / “Devil’s Gun” (promo version, May 1977)
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“We Got Our Own Thing – Pt. I” (Stereo/Mono) (Nov 1977)
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“Big City Sidewalk” / “Call Me If You Need Me” (1978)
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“Big City Sidewalk” (Stereo/Mono) (1978)
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“Deadeye Dick” / “Call Me If You Need Me” (1978)
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“Deadeye Dick” / “Deadeye Dick” (Aug 1978)
Atlantic Oldies Series
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“Devil’s Gun” / “We Got Our Own Thing – Pt. I” (reissue)