As Heatwave worked throughout Europe, personnel continued to change, and the group also suffered the tragic loss of one of its original members, Jessie Whitten, who lost his life in an accident. Although devastated, Heatwave regrouped, and the musical flame was rekindled. Heatwave was now working more in England than anywhere else and subsequently moved to Northern England. The first demos were recorded here, all original songs written by Rod Temperton. Records were printed and the group began shopping for a recording deal. At this time, another lead vocalist, Keith Wilder, Johnnie’s brother, was added to create a more full and diverse sound, and they emerged as the 2 lead singers for the group.

The inaugural album "Too Hot To Handle" first single release was "Super Soul Sister", a great dance tune that received very little airplay. The third single "Boogie Nights" was released January 7, 1977. A major success, "Boogie Nights" was a No. 1 single in Europe and provided an opportunity for people to hear Heatwave in America for the first time. Later that year the release of the classic love ballad, "Always And Forever" demonstrated the group's versatility, showing their ability to do both dance songs and ballads.

Album number two, "Central Heating was recorded in London, England. With their multi-Platinum hits taking off in America, CBS Records' interest was sparked and they invited Heatwave to perform in front of an audience of 16,000 at the celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday.

Now more visible than ever, Heatwave toured with major recording artists in the US, enjoyingd tremendous popularity through increased radio airplay of the first single "Groove Line”. Expanding media coverage hailed the group as exciting, and a "must see in concert." While the second single "Mind Blowing Decisions” was climbing the charts, Heatwave decided to return to the studio when tragedy struck the group again. A near fatal car crash caused band member Mario Mantese to leave the group.

Then on February 24, 1979, another catastrophic blow was dealt when Johnnie Wilder was involved in a traumatic automobile accident which left his body paralyzed from his neck down. Johnnie was hospitalized for a year. During this time, the completion and release of the album "Hot Property took place. The group continued to tour with the addition of a lead vocalist, James Dean Nicolas, better known as JD, who would later replace Lionel Richie in the Commodores. After his dramatic recovery, Johnnie continued to accompany the group on occasion for performances in America or in Germany.

The journey of Heatwave is one of a group that surged to international prominence, which threatened to be eclipsed by tragedy, yet continues to shine intensely in the hearts of those who were ignited on the dance floor by the infectious grooves, electrified at live concerts by the fiery showmanship, and warmed by the smooth ballads that have made them internationally famous.

Johnnie Wilder used his experience as a spiritual awakening and became a noted producer of a cappella gospel in the 90s. He released two gospel albums, "My Goal" and "One More Day," and produced a number of gospel albums for other acts. During the same decade, Keith Wilder re-formed Heatwave with some old and new members. The group recorded a live disc, and continues to tour regularly, making sure that audiences all over the world will have many more "Boogie Nights."