Was (Not Was)

Was (Not Was) is an American jazz-funk-pop band, formed in Detroit, Michigan, in 1980. The core members throughout the band's existence have been David Was (born David Weiss) and Don Was (born Donald Fagenson). Though often categorized in specific genres, their music incorporates elements of rock, R&B, funk, jazz, and spoken word, resulting in a sound that is difficult to neatly classify.

The band gained significant popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s with singles like "Walk the Dinosaur" and "Spy in the House of Love." Known for their eclectic musical arrangements and socially conscious lyrics, Was (Not Was) often featured a rotating cast of vocalists and musicians, including Sweet Pea Atkinson, Harry Bowens, and Sir Harry Thornton.

Following a hiatus in the mid-1990s, the band reunited in the early 2000s and has continued to perform and record new material. Don Was has also achieved considerable success as a record producer, working with numerous prominent artists across a variety of genres. Their distinctive sound and satirical lyrics made a lasting impact on popular music.