War formed in Long Beach, California, in 1969, initially as Eric Burdon and War after the group's earlier incarnation as the Creators and Nightshift. Core members included Howard E. Scott on guitar, Lonnie Jordan on keyboards and vocals, Harold Brown on drums, B.B. Dickerson on bass, Lee Oskar on harmonica, Charles Miller on saxophone and flute, and Papa Dee Allen on percussion. The band drew from funk, soul, rock, Latin, and R&B influences shaped by their experiences in diverse Los Angeles communities. After parting with Eric Burdon in 1971, War released albums such as All Day Music, featuring hits 'Slippin' Into Darkness' and the title track, and The World Is a Ghetto, which topped charts. Subsequent releases included 'The Cisco Kid,' 'Why Can't We Be Friends?,' 'Low Rider,' and 'Summer' from albums like Deliver the Word and Why Can't We Be Friends?. Their music promoted themes of brotherhood against social issues. War's live performances emphasize extended jams, blending rhythmic grooves with improvisational elements from their multicultural style.