Old Time Funk Music: What You Need to Know

The best way to get into old time funk music is to know the history and the key players. Learn about the genre and its pioneers here.

What is Funk Music?

Funk is a genre of music that originated in African American communities in the mid-1960s. The word “funk” refers to a type of black pop music that was influenced by soul and R&B, and which had a strong rhythmic groove. Unlike other genres of black popular music, funk was not defined by song structure or chord progressions; instead, it was defined by its unique sound, which was produced by the use of electric bass and drums.

During the 1970s, funk became one of the most popular genres of black popular music, with artists such as James Brown, Parliament-Funkadelic, and Sly and the Family Stone achieving commercial success. In the 1980s and 1990s, funk experienced a revival thanks to acts such as Prince and George Clinton. Today, funk is enjoying something of a renaissance, with new artists such as Kendrick Lamar and Janelle Monae carrying on the tradition of making great funk music.

The Origins of Funk Music

Funk music is a type of rhythm and blues that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It is characterized by a strong, syncopated bassline, sparse notes played on electronic keyboards, and drumming that emphasizes the use of the snare drum. Funk songs often have a call-and-response structure, with the singer repeating sections of the lyrics to allow for audience participation.

Funk originated in African American communities in the southern United States, where it was influenced by soul, jazz, and Latin American music. George Clinton was one of the most important early funk musicians; he led the groups Parliament and Funkadelic, which were both influential in the development of disco and hip hop. Other important funk musicians include James Brown, Sly Stone, Bootsy Collins, and Parliament-Funkadelic keyboardist Bernie Worrell.

The Elements of Funk Music

In order to understand what funk music is, one must first understand the elements that make up this type of music. Funk music is heavily rooted in African American culture, specifically in the blues and jazz traditions. One of the defining features of funk music is its use of syncopated rhythms, which are often created by the use of drum machines or other electronic percussion instruments. Another key element of funk music is its use of bass guitar lines that are often played in a percussive or “stabbing” style. These bass lines usually create a “groove” that helps to drive the rhythm of the song forward. Finally, funk music often includes horn or keyboard parts that add a melodic element to the overall sound.

The Influences of Funk Music

Funk music is a genre that was born out of the soul and R&B movements of the late 1960s. It is a style of music that is characterized by its heavy groove, often improvisational nature, and its use of unique instrumentation. Funk music took elements of both soul and R&B to create a new sound that was heavier, more syncopated, and often more politically charged than the music that had come before it.

Funk music was heavily influenced by the African-American experience in the United States. This is reflected in both the lyrics and the music itself, which often features call-and-response vocals, polyrhythmic percussion, and dynamic horn lines. The genre also owes a debt to jazz, as many funk musicians were also jazz musicians who were looking for a new way to express themselves.

While funk music has its roots in the African-American experience, it has also been embrace by people of all backgrounds. The heavy groove and infectious rhythms of funk have made it one of the most popular genres of dance music around the world. Funk also laid the groundwork for other genres like hip hop and disco, which would go on to become global phenomena in their own right.

The Future of Funk Music

There is no doubt that funk music has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. But what does the future hold for this genre of music?

There are a few different schools of thought on this matter. Some believe that funk music will continue to evolve, incorporating elements of other genres such as hip hop and electronic music. Others believe that funk will remain true to its roots, keeping alive the traditional sounds and styles that made it so popular in the first place.

Then there are those who believe that funk music has already evolved as much as it can, and that any further changes would simply water down the genre and make it unrecognizable.

Whatever the case may be, one thing is for sure: funk music is here to stay. And whether it evolves or remains stagnant, there will always be a place for this unique and beloved style of music.