The Best of Funk Music from the 70’s

A collection of the best funk music from the 1970’s. These are essential tracks for any fan of funk music.

The Birth of Funk

Funk was a new style of music that emerged in the early 1970s. It was a fusion of soul, R&B, and rock. Funk was a revolutionary sound that was different from anything that had come before. The beats were groovier, the bass was heavier, and the overall sound was more funky.

James Brown and the Birth of Funk

It is often said that James Brown was the inventor of funk music. This is not strictly true, but it is certainly true that he was the most important and influential figure in the genre. Funk music originated in the African-American community in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It was a blend of soul, R&B, and psychedelia, with a heavy emphasis on rhythm. The defining characteristic of funk is its groove, which is created by the interlocking of the bass, drums, and guitar.

James Brown’s band, The J.B.’s, was instrumental in developing the funk sound. They made use of innovations such as using two bass drums (later adopted by hip-hop) and playing intricate rhythmic patterns on the guitar and keyboards. Brown’s own style was based on his deep understanding of African-American musical tradition. He drew on gospel music, blues, and jazz to create a unique sound that was both deeply rooted in tradition and completely modern.

Funk quickly spread from its roots in the African-American community to become one of the most popular genres of music in the 1970s. It found its way into the mainstream through the work of white artists such as George Clinton (of Parliament-Funkadelic fame) and Rick James. But it was James Brown who remained the undisputed king of funk throughout the decade. His influence can be heard in subsequent generations of music, from hip-hop to electronic dance music.

George Clinton and the Funkadelics

The Funkadelics were an American band that was most active in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Their work blended elements of soul, psychedelic rock, and R&B. They are considered to be one of the pioneers of the funk music genre. The band was led by George Clinton, who went on to have a successful solo career.

George Clinton was born in Kannapolis, North Carolina, in 1941. He moved to Plainfield, New Jersey, when he was a teenager. Clinton began his musical career as a doo-wop singer with the Parliaments, a group he formed in the 1950s. The Parliaments had some success with their single “(I Wanna) Testify” in 1967.

In 1968, Clinton reformed the group as Funkadelic. The new band included several former members of the Parliaments, as well as some new musicians. Funkadelic’s self-titled debut album was released in 1969. It contained the single “I Got a Thing, You Got a Thing, Everybody’s Got a Thing”, which became a minor hit.

Funkadelic’s next two albums, Free Your Mind… and Your Ass Will Follow (1970) and Maggot Brain (1971), are considered to be among the best funk albums ever made. These albums featured lengthy jams and drummer Tiki Fulwood’s innovative playing style. Fulwood left the band after Maggot Brain was recorded; he was replaced by Jerome Brailey.

Funkadelic continued to release albums throughout the 1970s, including Cosmic Slop (1973), Standing on the Verge of Getting It On (1974), Let’s Take It to the Stage (1975), and One Nation Under a Groove (1978). Their last album with George Clinton as lead singer was 1981’s The Electric Spanking of War Babies. Clinton left Funkadelic in 1983 to focus on his solo career; he was replaced by Michael Hampton as lead singer. Hampton led the band for two albums before they disbanded in 1986.

The Golden Age of Funk

The 1970’s were a golden age for funk music. Many of the genre’s most influential and timeless tracks were released during this decade. If you’re a fan of funk, then this is the perfect article for you. We’ll be counting down the best funk songs from the 70’s.

Parliament-Funkadelic

Formed in 1970 in Plainfield, New Jersey, Parliament-Funkadelic was a musical ensemble led by George Clinton. The group developed an influential style of funk music that drew on psychedelic culture, science fiction, and outlandish fashion. They became known for their intricate arrangements, hook-laden melodies, and steamy groove.

Parliament-Funkadelic’s music was a melting pot of styles and influences. They blended elements of James Brown’s funk with the psychedelic rock of Jimi Hendrix and Sly Stone’s soul music. They also borrowed from George Clinton’s love of science fiction, crafting songs with futuristic themes and wild sound effects. This unique mix of influences helped to create a new sound that was both funky and otherworldly.

Parliament-Funkadelic became one of the most popular bands of the 1970s, thanks to their infectious beats and outlandish stage shows. They released a string of classic albums including Funkentelechy vs. the Placebo Syndrome (1977) and One Nation Under a Groove (1978). The group continued to tour and record until George Clinton disbanded Parliament-Funkadelic in 1983.

Bootsy’s Rubber Band

One of the most important and influential funk bands of all time, Bootsy’s Rubber Band was formed in the early 1970s by bassist/vocalist/songwriter Bootsy Collins and guitarist Catfish Collins. The group’s tight, hard-hitting sound helped to define the genre and influenced countless other funk bands that followed.

Bootsy’s Rubber Band was known for their spectacular stage shows, which featured elaborate costumes, dancing, and lots of audience participation. The band was also known for their catchy, often sexually suggestive songs, which were often laced with social commentary. Some of their most well-known songs include “The Pinocchio Theory,” “Stretchin’ Out (In a Rubber Band),” and “Bootzilla.”

Though the band went through several line-up changes over the years, Bootsy Collins remained the heart and soul of the group. He continued to lead the band until its dissolution in the late 1980s. Though they are no longer active, Bootsy’s Rubber Band left behind a lasting legacy that continues to influence funk musicians today.

The Meters

Formed in 1965, The Meters was a New Orleans-based funk band that became one of the most influential groups of the 1970s. The band’s unique blend of R&B, soul, and funk helped to create a new sound that would come to be known as “swamp funk.” The Meters’ lineup consisted of keyboardist and vocalist Art Neville, guitarist Leo Nocentelli, bassist George Porter Jr., and drummer Joseph “Zigaboo” Modeliste.

The group released a string of successful albums in the 1970s, including 1969’s ‘Look-Ka Py Py,’ 1970’s ‘Struttin’,’ and 1974’s ‘Rejuvenation.’ The Meters also recorded with a number of other artists, including Paul McCartney, Robert Palmer, and The Grateful Dead. In 1977, the band disbanded although they have reunited on several occasions since then.

The Legacy of Funk

Funk music was a product of the African American community in the United States during the late 1960s and early 1970s. The genre was created by artists who blended elements of soul, R&B, and jazz to create a new sound. Funk music was popularized by artists such as James Brown, Parliament-Funkadelic, and Sly and the Family Stone. The genre has since influenced other genres of music such as hip hop, disco, and electronic dance music.

Sly and the Family Stone

Sly and the Family Stone was a pioneer band in the development of funk music in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The band’s unique blend of soul, R&B, rock, and jazz became known as “psychedelic soul,” and helped to paved the way for the emergence of disco and other genres of dance music in the 1970s. The band’s best-known hits include “Dance to the Music,” “Everyday People,” and “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin).”

Prince

Prince was a musical genius and one of the most influential figures in funk music. He first rose to prominence in the 1970s with his groundbreaking album, “Purple Rain.” This album showcased Prince’s incredible talent for blending different genres of music, and it cemented his reputation as a master of funk.

In the years that followed, Prince continued to push the boundaries of music with his innovative and eclectic style. He collaborated with some of the biggest names in the business, including Miles Davis and Michael Jackson. He also released a number of hugely successful albums, such as “Sign ‘O’ The Times” and “Batman.”

Prince’s influence on funk music is undeniable. He was a true pioneer who helped to shaping the sound of an entire genre. His legacy will continue to inspire musicians for generations to come.

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Red Hot Chili Peppers is an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1983. The group’s musical style primarily consists of rock with an emphasis on funk, as well as elements from other genres such as punk rock and psychedelic rock. When played live, their music incorporates elements of jam band due to the improvised nature of many of their performances. Currently, the band consists of founding members vocalist Anthony Kiedis and bassist Flea, longtime drummer Chad Smith, and guitarist John Frusciante. Red Hot Chili Peppers are one of the best-selling bands of all time with over 80 million records sold worldwide, they have been nominated for sixteen Grammy Awards, of which they have won six, and are the most successful band in alternative rock radio history, currently holding the records for most number-one singles (13), most cumulative weeks at number one (85) and most top-ten songs (25) on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart. In 2012, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame