Ten City is an American R&B and house music group that emerged from Chicago in the late 1980s, characterized by their unique blend of soulful melodies and danceable rhythms. Originally formed by vocalist Byron Stingily, guitarist Herb Lawson, and keyboardist Byron Burke, the band drew heavily on the traditions of classic soul while incorporating the burgeoning house music sound that was thriving in Chicago at the time. Ten City's music stood out for its emotive vocals and the way it maintained a strong connection to classic R&B, while still fitting perfectly into the house music genre. Their sound was marked by Stingily's distinctive falsetto voice, which added a soulful touch to the pulsating, electronic beats.

Their debut album, *Foundation*, released in 1989, became a landmark in house music, featuring hits like "Devotion" and "That's the Way Love Is." These songs achieved considerable success on both the U.S. and UK charts, solidifying Ten City's status as pioneers of vocal house music. "That's the Way Love Is," in particular, became one of the group's most iconic tracks, reaching No. 1 on the U.S. Dance Club Songs chart and gaining significant popularity internationally. Ten City managed to bridge the gap between the underground dance scene and mainstream audiences, thanks to their catchy melodies and lyrics that spoke to the human experience of love and longing.

In the 1990s, Ten City continued to release several more albums, including *State of Mind* and *No House Big Enough*, further pushing the boundaries of their genre by blending elements of disco, funk, and R&B. The band faced lineup changes over the years, but Byron Stingily remained a constant, driving force, bringing his passion for house and soul music to the forefront of their work. Ten City's music has remained influential within both the dance and soul music communities, and they are often credited with paving the way for vocal-driven house music, inspiring numerous artists who followed. Their legacy is one of blending emotional storytelling with infectious grooves, making them a cornerstone in the history of house music.