Central Line, an R&B and soul band from London, England, was formed in March 1978. The original founding members were Steve Salvari, Camelle Hinds, Lipson Francis, and Henry Defoe. They were signed to Mercury Records early in 1979 by John Stainze. Central Line released their debut single "Wot We Got Its Hot" (1979) to a good reception but faced challenges with subsequent releases like "Sticks & Stones" (1980). Their breakthrough came with the release of "Walking into Sunshine (remix)", which reached Number 1 on the Northeast Dance Music Chart in October 1981 and debuted at number 90 on the Cash Box Top 100 Singles chart. The band's self-titled album, produced by Roy Carter, was released later that year and included notable tracks like "Walking into Sunshine" and "Goodbye". Despite their club hit "Walking into Sunshine", which sold well in the United States, and a UK Top 40 hit with "Nature Boy" (1982), consistent mainstream success eluded them. Central Line disbanded in August 1984. Notable members who continued in the music industry include Steve Salvari, who worked with Barry White, Robert Palmer, and Sheena Easton, and Camelle Hinds, who played bass in The Style Council. Linton Beckles passed away on April 3, 2015, from complications of pneumonia.
