Where Did Funk Music Originate From?

Funk music originated in the late 1960s when African American musicians began combining elements of Soul, R&B and Psychedelic Rock.

The Early Days of Funk

Funk music originated in theAfrican-American communities of Baton Rouge and New Orleans in the late 1960s. George Clinton and James Brown were both instrumental in the development of the genre. Clinton’s band Parliament-Funkadelic and Brown’s song “Sex Machine” are considered to be some of the earliest examples of funk music.

James Brown and the Birth of Funk

Black music in the late 1960s was undergoing a sea change. Psychedelia and rock music were redefining what popular music could be, and rhythm and blues was shifting away from its traditional sound. Into this mix came James Brown, who would forever change the sound of popular music with his brand of funk.

Brown had been a successful R&B artist throughout the 1950s and early 1960s, but it was with his 1966 album “Cold Sweat” that he began to experiment with a new sound. This new sound was based around a heavily groove-based approach, with emphasise on the downbeat and extended instrumental solos. It was these elements that would come to define funk music.

Brown continued to develop his sound throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s, releasing a string of hugely successful albums that cemented his reputation as the Godfather of Funk. Other artists would also begin to experiment with funk during this period, notably Sly & The Family Stone and George Clinton’s Parliament-Funkadelic collective.

Funk would go on to have a profound influence on other genres of popular music, including disco, hip hop, and House music. Its impact is still felt today, making it one of the most important genres in modern music history.

Sly and the Family Stone

Sly and the Family Stone was an African American rock, soul, and funk band formed in 1967. The group’s music was a hybrid of several genres, including soul, psychedelic rock, R&B, and experimental music. The band reached its height of popularity with their hit album Stand! (1969), which included the singles “Everyday People” and “I Want to Take You Higher.” Sly and the Family Stone’s brand of funk-infused rock and roll influenced many subsequent musicians, including George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic, Earth, Wind & Fire, James Brown, and Prince.

The Funk Revolution

Funk music originated in the late 1960s and early 1970s. This new style of music was created by African American artists who were looking to create something new and different. Funk was a mix of soul, R&B, and psychedelic rock. The main goal of funk music was to make people dance.

Parliament-Funkadelic

While often cited as the originators of the Funk genre, Parliament-Funkadelic was actually a collective of multiple groups and musicians led by George Clinton. The bands were distinguished by their outlandish stage costumes and performances, and their fusion of Funk, Soul, Rock, and R&B. They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.

Bootsy’s Rubber Band

Formed in 1976, Bootsy’s Rubber Band was one of the most influential funk bands of all time. The brainchild of bassist and vocalist Bootsy Collins, the band combined elements of James Brown’s style with the psychedelic sound of Parliament-Funkadelic. With their infectious grooves and positive messages, Bootsy’s Rubber Band helped to keep funk alive during the disco era.

The Modern Funk Era

The first record generally cited as embodying funk is “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” by James Brown, which was released in 1965. However, many other songs laid the groundwork for funk music prior to this, including early R&B songs, jazz tunes, and Afro-Cuban rhythms. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, funk music began to gain popularity with a wider audience.

Prince

Prince is often cited as one of the most influential musicians of the modern funk era. His music is a mix of R&B, pop, soul, and funk, with a healthy dose of rock ‘n’ roll thrown in for good measure. He’s known for his sexually charged lyrics and onstage antics, as well as his groundbreaking work in both the studio and on the stage. Prince was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Red Hot Chili Peppers is a 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 hip hop.

The band has won seven Grammy Awards, and their latest album, The Getaway, peaked at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. As of December 2016, the Red Hot Chili Peppers have sold over 80 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling bands of all time.

The Future of Funk

Funk music has its origins in the African-American communities in the mid-1960s. It is a style of music that is characterized by a strong rhythm section and often features a call-and-response vocal pattern. Funk music is often syncopated and has a groove-oriented feel.

New Funk Artists to Watch

There’s no doubt that funk is having a moment right now. With the success of artists like Lizzo andChildish Gambino, it seems like everyone is trying to get a piece of that funky sound. And we’re here for it!

If you’re looking to get into the funk scene, or just want to stay up-to-date on what’s happening in the world of funk, here are some new artists you should keep an eye on.

1. Vulfpeck
This LA-based group has been making waves in the funk world since they first burst onto the scene in 2011. With their catchy tunes and signature sound, they’re sure to get your feet moving.

2. Junglepussy
This Brooklyn rapper is known for her unapologetic lyrics and unbridled confidence. She’s a force to be reckoned with and her music is sure to make you feel good.

3. Nao
This British singer-songwriter brought her unique brand of R&B/soul/funk to the mainstream with her 2016 album For All We Know. She’s an artist to watch if you’re looking for something a little different from the typical funk sound.

4. Anderson .Paak
A member ofDr. Dre’s Aftermath Entertainment label, Anderson .Paak is no stranger to the music industry. His 2016 album Malibu won him critical acclaim and cemented his place as one of the most exciting new voices in music today.