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Funk is a music genre that emerged in the mid-1960s within African American communities. African American musicians combined soul, bebop/hard bop, and R&B to create a new form of music that emphasized a strong rhythmic groove over melody and chord progressions. The distinctive characteristics of funk are rooted in African music traditions such as ring shout and call and response, and find their earliest African American expression in various music genres like Negro spirituals, work songs, blues, praise shouts, gospel, and body rhythms. The bass line played by an electric bassist and the drum part played by a drummer are essential components of funk music. Funk was named after a slang word for "stink" and was the rawest, most hardcore, and most "black" form of R&B, surpassing even Southern R&B in terms of earthiness.
Brown's band established the "funk beat" and modern street funk in the late 1960s. Funk rhythms became the musical foundation for many artists, including Sly and the Family Stone, and their lyrics took on themes of urgent social commentary. In the early 1970s, funk became the standard for bands like the Ohio Players and Kool and the Gang. Jazz artists like Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock adapted and explored the funk groove. The sexually-expressive aspects of funk were popularized by Rick James and Prince in the 1980s, while the funk beat became the primary rhythm in black popular music. Funk's influence spread to other styles like hard rock, punk, and electronic music. Funk's significance grew in hip-hop culture in the 1980s as it was "sampled" in many rap songs. Funk became associated with ancient mysteries in the black tradition, providing hip-hop with a link to artists and cultural movements of the past.
Funk also provided the rhythmic basis for most American dance music of the 1990s. Funk musical groups include Sly and the Family Stone, Kool and the Gang, Prince, George Clinton/Parliament-Funkadelic, Earth Wind and Fire, and Curtis Mayfield, among others. Notable funk women's greats include Chaka Khan, Patti Labelle, Lyn Collins, Brides of Funkenstein, Klymaxx, Mother's Finest, and Betty Davis.
Funk it up: 10 must-listen bands to get you grooving
James Brown
The godfather of soul music, also known as the father of funk. A must listen for anyone looking to learn about James Brown funk music. His energetic, danceable rhythms and grooves set the standard for funk music. If you haven't heard James Brown you don't know funk music.
Parliament-Funkadelic
Parliament-Funkadelic is a group of talented musicians led by George Clinton who combine funk, soul and rock music into a unique sound. Their intricate arrangements and interlocking grooves make them a must-listen.
Tower of Power
This California-based band is known for their tight, punchy horn section and their groove-heavy rhythm section. They're a great example of how horns can be used in funk music.
Earth, Wind & Fire
This legendary band combined elements of funk, soul, and R&B to create a sound that's both danceable and musically sophisticated. Their horn arrangements are particularly noteworthy.
The Meters
The Meters are a New Orleans-based band that helped define the sound of funk in the 1960s and 70s. Their grooves are often based on the "second line" rhythms of New Orleans.
Sly & the Family Stone
This band blended funk, soul, and rock to create a sound that was both catchy and socially conscious. Their music often featured multiple vocalists and complex arrangements.
Average White Band
This Scottish band had a big hit with "Pick Up the Pieces," which features a catchy, syncopated horn riff. Their music is a great example of how funk can be both groovy and melodic.
Vulfpeck
Vulfpeck is an American funk group founded in 2011 based in Los Angeles. The band draws inspiration from various musical styles, including jazz, rock, and pop, resulting in a distinctive sound that is truly their own.
Cameo
This band had a big hit with "Word Up," which features a catchy synth riff and a groovy beat. Their music is a great example of how funk can incorporate electronic sounds.
Kool & the Gang
This band had a string of hits in the 1970s and 80s that combined funk, soul, and pop. Their music is characterized by catchy horn riffs, funky basslines, and smooth vocal.
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