Living Colour originally started in 1984 as a side project for guitarist Vernon Reid, who eventually hired Corey Glover on vocals, Muzz Skillings on bass, and Will Calhoun on drums. After spending a few years on the local scene, Living Colour were signed to Epic Records in 1987 and began recording their debut album that same year. The resulting debut, "Vivid", was released in 1988 and managed to debut at number six on the Billboard 200 charts, their highest chart position to date. Thanks to the single "Cult of Personality", "Vivid" eventually achieved double platinum status. By 1989, Living Colour had gained further exposure when they appeared on Saturday Night Live, supported The Rolling Stones and Guns N' Roses on the "Steel Wheels/Urban Jungle" tour and were named Best New Artist at the MTV Video Music Awards.