The Blackbyrds are one of the most accomplished music bands ever from the Washington, DC area. They came together more than 40 years ago as Howard University students under the tutelage of their music professor, the late great jazz trumpeter Donald Byrd, who also became their manager and producer. They created a unique jazz funk sound combined with soulful harmonies that made a big impact on the music charts in the 1970s, with 10 top 40 R&B hits and several on the pop charts.