Funk Music: One Hit Wonders

A list of the top one-hit wonder funk songs of all time, including hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s.

Introduction

The term “one-hit wonder” is used to describe a musical artist who is successful with one hit song, but does not have any other notable hits. The term is often used derisively, but there is no denying that some one-hit wonders have produced catchy, enjoyable songs that have stood the test of time.

Some one-hit wonders are able to parlay their success into a long, successful career in the music industry, while others simply fade away into obscurity after their one hit song. Here is a list of 10 of the most memorable one-hit wonders in funk music history.

What is Funk Music?

Funk is a style of music that originated in African American communities in the mid-1960s. It is a style of music that is characterized by a strong rhythm section, often with a strong bass line. The word “funk” can also be used to describe a style of dancing that is often associated with this type of music.

The Origins of Funk Music

Funk is a subgenre of R&B that originated in the mid-1960s when African American musicians created a rhythmic, danceable new form of music through a combination of soul, jazz, and psychedelic rock. Funk performers used the techniques of improvisation and extended musical grooves to create a new style of music that emphasized danceability and positive vibes.

The word “funk” may have come from the West African word for “smell,” or it may simply be a shortened version of the word “funky,” which was popularized by James Brown in his song “Cold Sweat.” Funk bands typically featured horns and strings alongside percussion instruments such as drum kits and congas.

Funk music was largely created by African American artists such as James Brown, George Clinton, Bootsy Collins, Sly Stone, and Parliament-Funkadelic. However, white artists such as David Bowie, Talking Heads, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers also made significant contributions to the genre.

In the 1970s, funk underwent aAfter experiencing something of a decline in the 1980s, funk made a comeback in the 1990s with bands like Red Hot Chili Peppers, Outkast, and Lenny Kravitz bringing the genre to a new generation of fans.

today, funk is widely considered one of the most important influences on hip hop music.

Funk Music in the Present Day

Funk music is a genre that was popularized in the 1970s. It is a type of rhythm and blues that is characterized by a groove-oriented sound. Funk music often has a syncopated bass line and is often played with horns or electric guitars.

In the present day, funk music has seen a resurgence in popularity. Some contemporary funk musicians include Bruno Mars, Mark Ronson, and Anderson .Paak.

One Hit Wonders

There are many artists who only have one hit song and then fade into obscurity. This is especially true in the genre of funk music. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most well-known one hit wonders in funk music history.

What is a One Hit Wonder?

Hits are defined as a song that reaches the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 or the Top 10 of a similar chart. Hits can spend multiple weeks on the charts and may even return to the charts years later.

One-hit wonders are defined as artists who have had only one song reach the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 or the Top 10 of a similar chart. These artists may have had multiple songs chart on other Billboard charts, but they are remembered primarily for their one big hit.

One Hit Wonders in Funk Music

The term “one-hit wonder” is used in the music industry to describe an artist who is successfully able to achieve a mainstream hit with a song but is unable to repeat its success. While the term is most commonly used in reference to pop music, it can also apply to artists in other genres, such as funk.

Funk music is a genre that emerged in the early 1970s and is characterized by its groove-based sound. The genre was popularized by artists like James Brown and Parliament-Funkadelic, but many other artists found success with funk songs as well. Here are 10 of the most successful one-hit wonders in funk history.

1. Bootsy’s Rubber Band – “The Pinocchio Theory”
2. Brick – “Dazz”
3. Cameo – “Word Up!”
4. Con Funk Shun – “Ffun”
5. Dayton – “The Sound of Music”
6. Gap Band – “Oops Upside Your Head”
7. klymaxx – “Meeting in the Ladies Room”
8. Lakeside – “Fantastic Voyage”
9. Parliament-Funkadelic – “(Not Just) Knee Deep”
10. Rose Royce – “Car Wash”

Conclusion

In conclusion, the list of one-hit wonders in funk music is quite long. However, there are a few artists that stand out above the rest. These artists include Parliament, Funkadelic, James Brown, and Bootsy Collins. While there are many other one-hit wonders in funk music, these four artists are the most notable.