Formed in Atlanta, Georgia in 1977 as Santa Monica, the funk septet changed their name to the Sound Of Success shortly after signing a record deal. The moniker was soon shortened to the S.O.S. Band, but the full version of their name became an example of life imitating art when their debut album was released in the spring of 1980.

Quickly finding success with R&B and dance music audiences, the S.O.S. Band found themselves with a full-fledged crossover hit on their hands with their release of the single "Take Your Time (Do It Right)" from the debut album, simply titled S.O.S.. Ironically, the group initially had turned down the chance to record the song which, in its original version, was more of a disco track.

However, the S.O.S. Band reconsidered and the song was reworked, keeping a slight disco feel but making it a slick, mid-tempo, groove-oriented, dance gem. Lead singer Mary Davis provided a sultry vocal and, with an infectious chorus, the group had an irresistible hit. "Take Your Time (Do It Right)" exploded on R&B stations, topping the R&B singles chart for five weeks.

The song became the group's debut pop hit, reaching the US Top 40 in late June and bounding up the chart. In August, it cracked the Top Ten, eventually climbing to #3 by the end of the month. It would be the S.O.S. Band's only Top 40 pop hit, although they would notch several more R&B hits. However, "Take Your Time (Do It Right)" remains a favorite in clubs and a nearly perfect fusion of dance and pop music.

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