Talking Heads were an American post-punk band formed in New York City in 1975. The group consisted of vocalist and guitarist David Byrne, drummer Chris Frantz, bassist Tina Weymouth, and guitarist and keyboardist Jerry Harrison. The band is often associated with the development of new wave music, combining elements of punk rock, art rock, funk, and world music with a distinctive visual and artistic style.
David Byrne, Chris Frantz, and Tina Weymouth met while studying at the Rhode Island School of Design, where Byrne and Frantz previously performed together in a band called the Artistics. In 1975 the trio moved to New York City, formed Talking Heads, and became involved in the city’s emerging punk and new wave scene. Jerry Harrison later joined the group, completing the lineup. The band signed with Sire Records in 1976 and released their debut album "Talking Heads: 77" in 1977, which received positive critical reception.
Talking Heads collaborated with producer Brian Eno on several albums, including "More Songs About Buildings and Food" (1978), "Fear of Music" (1979), and "Remain in Light" (1980). These recordings expanded the band’s musical approach and incorporated influences from funk and African music, drawing inspiration from artists such as Parliament-Funkadelic and Fela Kuti. During the early 1980s the band also began working with additional musicians in the studio and on stage, including guitarist Adrian Belew, keyboardist Bernie Worrell, singer Nona Hendryx, and bassist Busta Jones.
The band achieved their greatest commercial success in 1983 with the single "Burning Down the House" from the album "Speaking in Tongues", which reached the top ten in the United States. In 1984 they released the concert film "Stop Making Sense", directed by Jonathan Demme.