Influential Funk Musician Steve Washington Dies at 67

Washington co-founded the bands Slave and Aurra, known for hits like "Slide" and "Make Up Your Mind"

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Steve Washington, the influential funk trumpet player and co-founder of the bands Slave and Aurra, has died at the age of 67. Washington's death was announced on February 1, with the Funk Music Hall of Fame & Exhibition Center remembering him as an "influential" and "key" figure in 1980s funk music.

Why it matters

Washington was a pioneering figure in the funk music scene, co-founding two highly successful bands that produced numerous hit songs in the late 1970s and early 1980s. His passing marks the end of an era for a genre that had a major cultural impact.

The details

Born and raised in New Jersey, Washington and trombonist Floyd Miller formed the band Slave in Dayton, Ohio in 1975. Slave scored their first big hit with the single "Slide" in 1977. In 1981, Washington left Slave to form the group Aurra, which found success with songs like "Are You Single," "Checkin' You Out," and "Make Up Your Mind." Aurra continued releasing albums through 1985, but the group soon became embroiled in infighting and dissolved.

  • Washington's death was announced on February 1, 2026.
  • Slave formed in Dayton, Ohio in 1975.
  • Slave scored their first big hit with "Slide" in 1977.
  • Washington left Slave in 1981 to form Aurra.
  • Aurra's biggest U.S. hit, "Make Up Your Mind," reached #6 on the R&B chart and #71 on the pop chart in the early 1980s.

The players

Steve Washington

An influential funk trumpet player and co-founder of the bands Slave and Aurra.

Floyd Miller

Trombonist who co-founded the band Slave with Steve Washington.

Slave

The funk band co-founded by Steve Washington and Floyd Miller in 1975, known for hits like "Slide."

Aurra

The funk band formed by Steve Washington in 1981 after leaving Slave, known for hits like "Are You Single" and "Make Up Your Mind."

George Clinton

Frequent collaborator with Steve Washington in the 1980s.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Rest in eternal rhythm, Steve Washington, the fearless leader of the Funk group Slave and Aurra, and consistent collaborator with George Clinton in the 1980's. You will be missed immensely.”

— George Clinton (Facebook)

The takeaway

Steve Washington's passing marks the end of an era for the influential funk music scene of the 1970s and 1980s. As a co-founder of two highly successful funk bands, Slave and Aurra, Washington left an indelible mark on the genre and helped shape the sound of that era.