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When Loveland Rocked the Boat: An Mtv Moment in Local History
- Mike Meldon
- Mar 25
- 2 min read
By Mike Meldon
In the late 1980s, Loveland found itself sharing the spotlight with one of America’s hottest R&B/Pop bands. Midnight Star, known for electric R&B hits like “Freak‑A‑Zoid” and “No Parking on the Dance Floor”, rolled into town to film scenes for their single “Don’t Rock the Boat.”
Midnight star was founded at Kentucky State University in the late 1970s, and the band featured several members with Cincinnati roots — including brothers Reggie and Vincent Calloway, whose hometown pride often showed even as the band rose to national fame.
Local residents still recall watching the production unfold along the Little Miami River and near the downtown Loveland area, where bridges and riverbanks offered the perfect setting for the video’s nautical vibe. It was an unusual sight for the town — cameras, pop stars, and a crew bringing funk flair to familiar streets.
Making a special appearance in the video is Loveland’s own Loveland Paddlesports—then known as Loveland Canoe Rental. Locals will quickly recognize the iconic riverside business, a hallmark of Loveland life and a gathering point for generations of paddlers and visitors. Though the building has grown and modernized over the years, its spirit remains the same. For many Lovelanders, this familiar spot is the true star of the “Don’t Rock the Boat” video.
Released in 1988 on Midnight Star’s self‑titled album, “Don’t Rock the Boat” became a No. 1 R&B hit, featuring rapper Ecstasy from the pioneering hip‑hop group Whodini. The video’s mix of flashy choreography and local charm mirrored the energy of the era — when funk, hip‑hop, and hometown pride collided in a fun river narrative.
For a brief moment, Loveland was part of R&B history, helping set the scene for one of the last major hits of a group that defined a generation of dance music.
By the way...don't let the sharks scare you off, Loveland hasn't seen many of them in the river lately.
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