The Best Funk Music of the 70s

The best funk music of the 1970s was a blend of R&B, soul, and jazz. The genre is characterized by its groove, which is a propulsive, rhythmic feel.

Introduction

The term “funk” can be traced back to the late 1960s and early 1970s, when James Brown and his band created a style of music that was characterized by a heavy backbeat, intense bass lines, and rhythm and blues (R&B) vocals. Funk was also influenced by other genres of music, including soul, jazz, and rock.

While funk initially developed as a subgenre of R&B, it eventually became its own distinct genre. Funk songs were often longer than other R&B songs and featured more complex arrangements. They also tended to have a greater emphasis on groove and rhythm, rather than melody and harmony.

During the 1970s, many funk songs became hits on the pop charts. Some of the most famous funk songs from this era include “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder, “Play That Funky Music” by Wild Cherry, “Brick House” by The Commodores, and “Sex Machine” by James Brown.

In the 1980s, funk began to decline in popularity as other genres ( such as hip hop and new jack swing ) emerged. However, it has continued to influence other genres of music, and there has been a resurgence of interest in funk music in recent years.

If you’re a fan of funk music or are just curious about this unique genre, check out our list of the best funk songs of the 1970s.

The Birth of Funk

Funk is a music genre that originated in the late 1960s when African American musicians created a rhythmic, danceable new form of music through a mixture of soul music, jazz, and rhythm and blues (R&B). Funk de-emphasized the melody and chords of previous black music genres and brought attention to the groove—the itsy-bitsy, pounding heartbeat that lies at the very essence of funk. James Brown’s hit song “Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine” perfectly captures this feeling. It’s all about the groove—the relentless, pulsating beat that makes you want to move your body.

Funk was also very much about fashion. The style associated with funk was flamboyant and outrageous—loud colors, big Afros, platform shoes, and skinny ties. The clothes were designed to make a statement and get attention. The same could be said of the cars funksters drove—lowriders with huge speakers blasting the latest funk tunes.

The term “funk” was first used in print in an October 18th, 1966 Time Magazine article entitled “The Birth of Funk” which chronicled the rise of James Brown and his band The JBs. In February 1967, Brown released his groundbreaking album Cold Sweat which featured the classic funk song “Cold Sweat (Part 1)”. This album is widely considered to be the first true funk album.

Other important early funk artists include George Clinton and his bands Parliament-Funkadelic and Bootsy Collins’ Ringo Starr-produced band Bootsy’s New Rubber Band. Clinton and Collins were both heavily influenced by Brown and took funk in new directions with their own unique styles.

Funk continued to evolve in the 1970s with bands like Earth, Wind & Fire, Kool & The Gang, Ohio Players, Sly & The Family Stone, Tower of Power, War, and Dynasty adding their own spin to the genre. These bands helped turn funk into one of the most popular musical styles of the 1970s

The Godfathers of Funk

If you’re looking for the best funk music of the 70s, you have to start with the godfathers of funk: James Brown and Parliament-Funkadelic. These two acts defined what funk music was and is still influencing musicians today.

James Brown is often referred to as the “Godfather of Soul,” and with good reason. His signature style of musical delivery, which emphasized the downbeat and featured complex rhythmic patterns, was unlike anything else that had been heard before. His music was funky, soulful, and guaranteed to get you moving. Some of his most famous songs include “Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine,” “Super Bad,” and “The Payback.”

Parliament-Funkadelic was a group that transcended genres, fusing elements of soul, R&B, rock, and psychedelia into a wholly unique sound. The group was spearheaded by George Clinton, who began his musical career as a member of James Brown’s backing band. Clinton went on to form Parliament-Funkadelic, which would come to be known as one of the most influential groups in funk history. Some of their most popular songs include “Flash Light,” “(Not Just) Knee Deep,” and “One Nation Under a Groove.”

The Funky Sounds of the 70s

The 1970s was a decade of change and transition. But one thing remained constant—the funky sound of the music coming out of that decade. Funk evolved out of soul and R&B in the 1960s, and by the 70s, it was a full-fledged genre with its own unique sound.

Funk is characterized by its groove-based rhythms, often created with syncopated basslines and drum patterns. The use of horns and keyboard instruments is also common in funk music, lending it a soulful sound. And lyrics often focus on positive messages and themes of unity and community.

All of these elements came together to create some truly iconic funk songs in the 1970s. Here are just a few of the best examples:

-“Superstition” by Stevie Wonder
-“Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine” by James Brown
-“Brick House” by The Commodores
-“I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5
-“Pick Up the Pieces” by Average White Band

The Legacy of Funk

Funk music is a genre that originated in the mid-1960s. Sometimes called “R&B’s rebellious cousin,” funk was created by African American musicians who were looking for a new way to express themselves. With its heavy bass, sharp rhythms, and catchy hooks, funk soon became popular with both black and white audiences.

The 1970s was the golden age of funk music. Funkadelic, Parliament, and James Brown were just some of the artists who helped to define the sound of the genre. Funky beats, wild costumes, and outrageous stage shows soon became trademarks of funk music.

Even today, the influence of funk can be heard in many different types of music. So turn up the bass, let your hair down, and get ready to groove to the best funk music of the 1970s!