Let's give this a try.  Funk is an underrepresented genre on this 1970s board, and it's time to give it a deserving home. I'm a fan of Funk music; I'm sure others are too.

Post a funk song from the 1970s.  (Is it Funk?  Use your judgement.)  Add a little context if you like.  Please embed it so we can all enjoy it!  :)

A quick note about Disco.  Some Disco is also Funk.  And some Funk is also Disco.  But the keyword is SOME.  Disco, unless iit is also Funk, is not what this thread is about.

Here's a beloved Funk tune I heard once or twice on the radio.  It took me literally decades to learn what the song actually is.  (Would you believe I actually called the radio station - and even that didn't help me!)  But now I know, and I get to enjoy it.  Have a listen:

The Meters - Hey Pocky A-Way (1974)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEtXT9w9AYU

As a teen, my slightly older brother was actively learning to play electric guitar (he's a semi-professional today).  He was in a "neighborhood" band (in rural Michigan, "neighborhood" is whatever you want it to be), usually much to my delight.  One of the songs that I got to enjoy hearing his band practicing/playing was this Funky gem:

AWB - School Boy Crush (1976)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ki5aS5LSrQM

Glam meets Funk in this beloved and popular mid-70s smash -

David Bowie - Fame (1975)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ypgq0qdgVZA

Glam meets Funk in this beloved and popular mid-70s smash -

David Bowie - Fame (1975)



Featuring John Lennon on guitar and vocals.

Elvis Presley - I've Got A Feeling In My Body (1973)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apC9Frnpe28

8)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3u8aGa3fqQ
Uncle Louie- I Like Funky Music (1979)

This fine funky album cut hails from their 1976 album, Harvest For The World ...

The Isley Brothers - People Of Today (1976)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oFdjSs1zuA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_F06umiWDDw
This sure sounds like funk if it has the word disco in the song title.
Michael Jackson - Burn This Disco Out

This sure sounds like funk if it has the word disco in the song title.
Michael Jackson - Burn This Disco Out


O0

Even though this album cut is a total spoof, it's still funky -

Led Zeppelin - The Crunge (from 1973's Houses Of The Holy)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsndjqplSOY

                                      ;D

Even though this album cut is a total spoof, it's still funky -

Led Zeppelin - The Crunge (from 1973's Houses Of The Holy)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsndjqplSOY

                                      ;D



And I see a lot of women's rear ends on the cover.

And I see a lot of women's rear ends on the cover.
They are not women, they are two young children.

They are not women, they are two young children.


Oops, I'm sorry, my bad.  :-[

This is from 1981 ...


Indeed, there was a lot of funk in the early 1980s.  For this thread, can I ask to stick to 1970s songs?  (Maybe another thread could be made for 1980s Funk...)

I was a fan of this ever since seeing it on Soul Train:

Kool & the Gang - Funky Stuff (1973)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kz0GIJbwIo

Indeed, there was a lot of funk in the early 1980s.  For this thread, can I ask to stick to 1970s songs?  (Maybe another thread could be made for 1980s Funk...)


OK Sure AG I'm sorry, my apologies. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeE1jPYfSD8
They're discussing about New York City being the best city in the world so why not have a song about it.  :)
New York City- Alphonse Mouzon

Not many could effectively give this folksy Beatles classic the Funk treatment, but this cover is amazing -

Stevie Wonder - We Can Work It Out (1971)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHnIvw7CCKk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfEvRjDw7OA
Kool and the Gang "Higher Plane"

Kool and the Gang "Higher Plane"


O0 Good pick!

Among my favorites from this very funky group -

Sly & The Family Stone - Thank You Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin (1970)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOa5UOHdwnc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZpQF3Sp29U
Now this is some pimping music.  :)

Saturday Night Special- Norman Connors

For those of us old enough to have experienced the disco era firsthand, there were certain albums that had a high degree of appeal to Funk fans.  One such album, the 1977 sslf-titled Brick, contained hits Dusic and Ain't Gonna Hurt Nobody.  But campus DJs often pulled out this funkster for the college party dance floors:

Brick - We Don't Wanna Sit Down (We Wanna Get Down)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWr4dMucUrA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtnsJDiOF_w
Have A Good Time- Peabo Bryson (1977)

Here's a 45RPM record I recall playing over and over.  I was teaching myself to dance "The Bump"  ;D  Despite that, I'm still fond of this little-remembered hit -

Rufus feat. Chaka Khan - You Got The Love (Fall 1974)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-GCqrNfiRY

Brick- Push Push (1977)


Sorry, this one is actually from 1980  :-\\  It's an album cut; 1980 is when its album was released.

Thanks for trying anyway!  :)

This Reggae-Funk groove appealed to me ever since I first heard it in '73:

Cymande - The Message (early 1973)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPhb30PXd4I

And there was plenty Funk to go around in '73 -

Mandrill - Fencewalk (Spring 1973)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTsw3u6g5YI

I don't know which of these, but I bet some songs in this thread were sampled in later rap or hip-hop tunes...

Sorry, this one is actually from 1980  :-\\  It's an album cut; 1980 is when its album was released.

Thanks for trying anyway!  :)

Sorry I thought it was from 1977, my bad.

Sorry I thought it was from 1977, my bad.


No biggie.  Somebody probably submitted it to YouTube and wrote the wrong date on it.  That happens - a lot.

Incidentally, 1977 was my HS graduation year.  Brick actually had an album release that year, their self-titled Brick album.  Earlier in this thread I posted a song from that album, We Don't Wanna Sit Down, We Wanna Get Down.  The whole album (which I have a copy of on vinyl) was pretty enjoyable for fans of Funk and popular with our college crowd.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6ltP3AQg_Y
B.T. Express - Shout! (Shout It Out)

Although the Chi-Lites ultimately earned a reputation for slow ballads, their first Top 40 hit could hold its own with the best Funk of its day.  I recall this one fondly from my elementary school days -

(For God's Sake) Give More Power To The People (early 1971)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEwMaeN2x-c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHAt8PDc6ZE
Ronnie Laws- Goodtime Ride

Quincy Jones' 1975 Mellow Madness album became quite popular in its time, and launched a pair of brothers who would go on to have quite a bit of success over the next few years as The Brothers Johnson.  Have a listen -

Quincy Jones (feat. George Johnson) - Listen (What It Is)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_pH9WqeVGI

Another smash I enjoyed during elementary school - it made me wonder, "where in the world is Nassau?"  (I've since had the pleasure to visit there, but I digress...)

Beginning Of The End - Funky Nassau (Spring 1971)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-o26r7D_l0

Another smash I enjoyed during elementary school - it made me wonder, "where in the world is Nassau?"  (I've since had the pleasure to visit there, but I digress...)

Beginning Of The End - Funky Nassau (Spring 1971)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-o26r7D_l0

I think he meant Nassau Bahamas.

I think he meant Nassau Bahamas.


Yes, I'm sure that's what they meant.  And I've visited there a few times as an adult.  But as a 6th Grader, I had no clue.

Yes, I'm sure that's what they meant.  And I've visited there a few times as an adult.  But as a 6th Grader, I had no clue.

How did you like it?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diwG8r4EcAM
Bazuka- Dynomite (1975)

How did you like it?


I do like Nassau.  It was a bit more urban than I pictured, but still a nice place to visit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCV6paTXyCU
Happy Birthday to the late Jimmy Castor.

Bazuka- Dynomite (1975)


Have you had much opportunity to watch the sitcom, "Good Times"?  It was all the rage at that time.  As for the song, I vaguely remember it but it's been a long time.


Happy Birthday to the late Jimmy Castor.


O0 Happy Birthday indeed.  Good call on "Troglodyte" (1972).  It cracks me up every time.

Stevie Wonder
"Boogie On Reggae Woman"
1974

Despite the title, it's neither boogie nor reggae, but funk.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYqovSobZTc

Stevie Wonder
"Boogie On Reggae Woman"
1974

Despite the title, it's neither boogie nor reggae, but funk.


O0 I'm a fan!

I believe the first time I heard this may have been a school dance at my Junior High school -

Aretha Franklin - Rock Steady (1971)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlIzm5gTu2w

Have you had much opportunity to watch the sitcom, "Good Times"?  It was all the rage at that time.  As for the song, I vaguely remember it but it's been a long time.

O0 Happy Birthday indeed.  Good call on "Troglodyte" (1972).  It cracks me up every time.

Yes I watch Good Times on occasions, it is on one of those retro TV channels at night.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOBh4NZ4wZQ
Edwin Starr - Easin' In (1973)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhI6Cj3-hcY
The Philadelphia International All-Stars - Let's Clean Up the Ghetto (1978)

The International All-Stars - Let's Clean Up the Ghetto (1978)


Wow - I haven't heard this since the 70's!  :o  Good find  O0

One of my all-time favourites:  Bongo Rock by Michael Viner's Incredible Bongo Band from 1973.  This peaked at #57 in the US and #20 in Canada. 

This one has kind of an interesting back story:  It was so popular in Canada because they qualified as a Canadian group despite neither Michael Viner or any of the players in the group being Canadian.  They recorded the track in Vancouver at Can-Base Studios (later known as Mushroom Studios, home to Mushroom Records), which allowed them to take advantage of Canadian Content laws, making them one of the few acts at the time who found a loophole allowing them to qualify as a Canadian artist despite not being Canadian (other artists who did this include Heart and Procol Harum). 

This song had previously been a US Top 20 hit for an American named Preston Epps in 1959, but Viner added so much to his cover, that you might be hard pressed to even initially recognize it as a cover if you listen to Preston's original

eRINyKWV8D4

This classic funkster was famously sampled by Rob Base in 1988's It Takes Two -

Lyn Collins - Think (About It)  (1972)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKix_06L5AY

Wow - I haven't heard this since the 70's!  :o  Good find  O0

I believe it's still relatable in today's world.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCOtgT-IewY
KC And The Sunshine Band - Sound Your Funky Horn

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=My-xkuyKep0
Rokotto - Funk Theory (1978)

This song was also covered by B.T. Express 2 years later.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGv237F4BKc

This smash is among my favorites from the group -

War - The Cisco Kid (early 1973)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iu_YVswb3p4

Here's one on the cusp.  Though it peaked in the US and Canadian charts in early 1980, it was released in August of 1979 and in some countries including the UK, peaked that same year.

This is The Second Time Around by Shalamar

xz4YQZ01Q_A

Here's one on the cusp.  Though it peaked in the US and Canadian charts in early 1980, it was released in August of 1979 and in some countries including the UK, peaked that same year.

This is The Second Time Around by Shalamar


O0 I remember this!

I recall this from the Disco era, when I was at University - more Funk than Disco, its danceability got it played plenty at the school dance parties I frequented then -

Funkadelic - One Nation Under A Groove (1978)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO-8mtEI5Js

This dandy fell right on the heels of his mega-success with the soundtrack to Superfly =

Curtis Mayfield - Future Shock (1973)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwOgyBd4FA4

When I first heard this group's first Top 40 hit, I thought it was someone else.  It quickly became a favorite for me -

Earth, Wind & Fire - Mighty, Mighty (1974)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKljHXYTRy0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-N9Y_6ljzG4
Roger & The Human Body - Freedom (1976)

In between their smash slow tunes, this group got pretty funky.  This is one such hit, largely forgotten -

The Commodores - Slippery When Wet (Spring 1975)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLr5cL0eG2w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzN1essMtFo
Midnight Groove-The Love Unlimited Orchestra (1975)

Eddie Drennon- Rhapsody (1978)


My opinion, but to me this one sounds like Disco and not Funk  :-\\


Midnight Groove-The Love Unlimited Orchestra (1975)


This one is IMO a much better fit  O0  Good choice.

This "novelty" funkster cracked me up from the first time I heard it as a preteen -

Ohio Players - Funky Worm (early 1973)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSIb4T5vu9E

My opinion, but to me this one sounds like Disco and not Funk  :-\\

This one is IMO a much better fit  O0  Good choice.

OK I'll delete it right away, Sorry.

OK I'll delete it right away, Sorry.


I didn't really mean you had to delete it; I was just pointing out how it sounded (or didn't sound) in my opinion.  If you disagree with my assessment you could leave it posted (though I think you deleted it already).  I simply wanted to reiterate this is a Funk thread as opposed to a Disco thread (acknowledging there is overlap).

And thanks as always for participating - I appreciate it!  :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqoIkA-T9bw
Gap Band- Shake! (1979)

I didn't really mean you had to delete it; I was just pointing out how it sounded (or didn't sound) in my opinion.  If you disagree with my assessment you could leave it posted (though I think you deleted it already).  I simply wanted to reiterate this is a Funk thread as opposed to a Disco thread (acknowledging there is overlap).

And thanks as always for participating - I appreciate it!  :)

Hey, My pleasure. :)

In the early 70's The Temptations moved in some new directions, making some funky music in the process.  I remember this from my school days - it's very much a "period piece".

Temptations - Masterpiece (1973)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BY3qusaQWlk
This is the single version...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-5KjFJxnw4
Parliament - Theme from the Black Hole (1979)

The Jackson 5 could get funky, too -

Jackson 5 - Whatever You Got, I Want (1974)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jj9UXPlAu_w

As Isaac Hayes was riding high from his Shaft soundtrack, this funkster was released from that soundtrack.  Here's the single version:

Isaac Hayes - Do Your Thing (1972)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcq9ZtJ9tfU

Instrumentals were popular in the early 70's, and some were downright funky.  Here's one I enjoyed from then:

Billy Preston - Outa Space (1972)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dv3Br2jnBcU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ho_Od3o9OLg
How about: Commodores - Machine Gun

How about: Commodores - Machine Gun


O0 Good pick!  I'm a fan; from Summer 1974.  Incidentally, did you know this was their first hit?

This beloved funkster from my elementary school days has become more popular in recent years -

Charles Wright & Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band - Express Yourself (1970)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-MQQPlUPEE

O0 Good pick!  I'm a fan; from Summer 1974.  Incidentally, did you know this was their first hit?

Wow, I never knew that, pretty interesting. O0

Adding a funky groove to his typical swamp rock style, this funkster was a favorite of mine during Jr. High -

Dr. John - Right Place, Wrong Time (1973)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HT4RainY-lY

Here's another funkster I remember fondly from my Jr. High days -

Detroit Emeralds - Baby Let Me Take You (1972)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulztemzdB3k

This album cut from the rare Sylvers II isn't well known, but it certainly fits -

The Sylvers - Handle It (1973)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxk3Uw3EI8g

I recall dancing to this electronic-disco-funk instrumental at University dance parties -

Cat Stevens - Was Dog A Doughnut?  (1977)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F19J9gqCSJk

Graham Central Station was fronted by Larry Graham, ex Sly & Family Stone bassist.  My musician brother had this album.  Being a good little sister, I often snuck it away to play  ;D

Graham Central Station - The Jam (1975)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weV1K1MMs0I

William DeVaughan - Be Thankful For What You Got (1974)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pvtlt-p7vB4

William DeVaughan - Be Thankful For What You Got (1974)


O0 I'm a fan!

How about some: Funk For Your Ass- Fred Wesley


New to me - it's good.  A very funky instrumental, but not from the 70's.  :-\\

I always loved this funky instrumental smash from my Jr. High school days.  The "single" version -

Edgar Winter Group - Frankenstein (1973)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dk69ue20y0A

New to me - it's good.  A very funky instrumental, but not from the 70's.  :-\\

So what year is it from? I swear it was from the early 1970's. ???
Should I delete it or just keep it for this thread?

New to me - it's good.  A very funky instrumental, but not from the 70's.  :-\\


It's from 2008. Way, way off the mark. But Fred Wesley has had a long and impressive career. He played with James Brown, Parliament Funkadelic, George Benson and others.

New to me - it's good.  A very funky instrumental, but not from the 70's.  :-\\



So what year is it from? I swear it was from the early 1970's. ???
Should I delete it or just keep it for this thread?


Howard, you can decide whether or not to delete it; I'm okay either way.  The main thing to me is, thinking of a potential newby who's curious what 1970's Funk sounds like, if they peruse this thread they will get accurate information.  Since the comments are made, it's covered.


It's from 2008. Way, way off the mark. But Fred Wesley has had a long and impressive career. He played with James Brown, Parliament Funkadelic, George Benson and others.


Thank you for this.  Indeed, Fred Wesley was still very much with James Brown until 1975 or so.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMiiDlHPpZQ
Jackson Sisters- I Believe In Miracles (1973)

https://i.discogs.com/7c24HMwnYfSxEIQKEYB-1kxPnMc8nXS27m00Jdzqa28/rs:fit/g:sm/q:40/h:300/w:300/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9BLTY5MzMw/LTExNDk2OTUxMDEu/anBlZw.jpeg

Looks to me these Jackson Sisters were a bunch of gospel singers not to be confused with the other Jackson Sisters.

Jackson Sisters- I Believe In Miracles (1973)

Looks to me these Jackson Sisters were a bunch of gospel singers not to be confused with the other Jackson Sisters.


^ Interesting, funky song.  I'm not familiar with this group.  Good find!  :)

Here's a classic mid 70's Funk gem -

Tower Of Power - What Is Hip? (1974)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAatPPEaZDA

Here's a classic mid 70's Funk gem -

Tower Of Power - What Is Hip? (1974)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAatPPEaZDA

HIP is a medical coverage. ;D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0CeFX6E2yI
Soul Makossa - Manu Dibango

Soul Makossa - Manu Dibango


O0  Good pick from 1973!

Speaking of Fred Wesley, here he is with the J.B.'s, and you may recognize the main vocalist -

Fred Wesley & J.B.'s - Doing It To Death (1973)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZJbQOMvKkw
This is the single version...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6ltP3AQg_Y
B.T. Express - Shout! (Shout It Out)  (1977)

One of the earlier songs I remember getting extensive Top 40 airplay which was "bleeped" when on the air -

Isley Brothers - Fight The Power (1975)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PySOMhBTLzg
This is the radio edit...

One of the earlier songs I remember getting extensive Top 40 airplay which was "bleeped" when on the air -

Isley Brothers - Fight The Power (1975)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PySOMhBTLzg
This is the radio edit...

In this song he shouts a curse word bull**** and was bleeped but when you hear the unedited version you can definitely hear him shout it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZ5xb9k2g6Q
The Brothers Johnson ~ Get The Funk Out Ma Face (1976)

In this song he shouts a curse word bull**** and was bleeped but when you hear the unedited version you can definitely hear him shout it.


In 1975 when the song was on AM Top 40 radio, it was surprising to hear a song getting bleeped.  Oftentimes songs with bad words were simply banned from AM radio then, but as this one was quite popular they bleeped it instead.  This happened quite a bit later.


The Brothers Johnson ~ Get The Funk Out Ma Face (1976)


O0 Good pick!

In 1975 when the song was on AM Top 40 radio, it was surprising to hear a song getting bleeped.  Oftentimes songs with bad words were simply banned from AM radio then, but as this one was quite popular they bleeped it instead.  This happened quite a bit later.

O0 Good pick!


In The Brothers Johnson song you think you're hearing a curse word **** but what you're actually hearing is the word "funk", that happens sometimes in funk music.

In The Brothers Johnson song you think you're hearing a curse word **** but what you're actually hearing is the word "funk", that happens sometimes in funk music.


Sure, I used to hear this one on AM radio when I was in high school.  Since there was no bleeping, we knew it wasn't a curse word.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZ5xb9k2g6Q
The Brothers Johnson ~ Get The Funk Out Ma Face (1976)


Hey Howard, are you ever interested in an artist's or group's pedigree, i.e. where they came from?  Get The Funk Out Ma Face hails from the Brothers Johnson's very successful (top 10) 1976 debut album Look Out For #1, the album which firmly established the pair.  It was just one year prior that Quincy Jones' Mellow Madness album, which featured the brothers, their "springboard" if you will, became very popular.  I thought you might find that interesting.  I'm cross referencing my post from a few weeks ago, as you can clearly hear the brothers' influence on the Quincy Jones album:


Quincy Jones' 1975 Mellow Madness album became quite popular in its time, and launched a pair of brothers who would go on to have quite a bit of success over the next few years as The Brothers Johnson.  Have a listen -

Quincy Jones (feat. George Johnson) - Listen (What It Is)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_pH9WqeVGI


Before Quincy Jones, the brothers had been involved with Billy Preston...

Hey Howard, are you ever interested in an artist's or group's pedigree, i.e. where they came from?  Get The Funk Out Ma Face hails from the Brothers Johnson's very successful (top 10) 1976 debut album Look Out For #1, the album which firmly established the pair.  It was just one year prior that Quincy Jones' Mellow Madness album, which featured the brothers, their "springboard" if you will, became very popular.  I thought you might find that interesting.  I'm cross referencing my post from a few weeks ago, as you can clearly hear the brothers' influence on the Quincy Jones album:

Before Quincy Jones, the brothers had been involved with Billy Preston...

Thanks AG, very interesting. O0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5DnqW3F57E
Sanford And Son Theme

Funk and Disco intersect completely in this late-70s dance classic -

War - Galaxy (1978)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RaIxO6X7pI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykmszqag1BU
Jimmy Bo Horne - Dance Across The Floor (1978)

Many a 1970's Funk song was punctuated by a serious horn section - like this one:

Brass Construction - Movin' (1976)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eVyQikja8I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o91NUSFRsgI
How about: Brass Construction - Changin (1976)

One question, Why they never put a letter "g" on the end of movin and changin?  ???

How about: Brass Construction - Changin (1976)


This sounds vaguely familiar - I likely heard it during the 70's but not since then.


One question, Why they never put a letter "g" on the end of movin and changin?  ???


No, they used the apostrophe at the end instead.  I suspect it's because at that time it was considered cool.

One question, Why they never put a letter "g" on the end of movin and changin?  ???
Because the 'g' key is broken on the keyboard  ;D

This sounds vaguely familiar - I likely heard it during the 70's but not since then.

No, they used the apostrophe at the end instead.  I suspect it's because at that time it was considered cool.

It was a cool way of saying things during The 1970's.

It was a cool way of saying things during The 1970's.


Indeed; that's what I meant to say.


Because the 'g' key is broken on the keyboard  ;D


LOL!  ;D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EGlr4H6tI0
Fatback- Midnight Freak (1977)

Former Temptations vocalist Eddie Kendricks hit the big time with this funky smash -

Eddie Kendricks - Keep On Truckin' (1973)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eke-oF3Vh6s

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsoyAXMr558
Pleasure- Joyous (1977)

I recall this funkster was often featured on Soul Train -

Rufus - Dance Wit Me (1976)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9g5tIHQXEk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1H_ae_sV_DE
Here's a nice funky track: Sunbear - I heard the voice of music say (1977)

This funkster, although a pretty fair hit, seems somewhat forgotten -

Sly & Family Stone - If You Want Me To Stay (1973)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZFabOuF4Ps

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kBDM3UgmTY
Lakeside- From 9:00 Until (1979)

This infectious and beloved smash grew even more popular in ensuing decades -

War - Low Rider (1975)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMkwuz0iXQg

This infectious and beloved smash grew even more popular in ensuing decades -

War - Low Rider (1975)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMkwuz0iXQg

You also hear it on the comedy show George Lopez and they make one appearance in one episode.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJLEy8-d7kg
Kaygees- You Got To Keep On Bumpin (1974)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvqqCfHmeU0
Rose Royce - Do Your Dance (1977)

Rose Royce - Do Your Dance (1977)


I recall dancing to this at University parties (same with Wishing On A Star, a "slow jam")  O0

Classic Funk from George Clinton's group, Parliament -

Parliament - Up For The Down Stroke (1974)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urhJ81E-Bog

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlN5PEdu0Rg
Bill Cosby- Boogie On Your Face (1977)

While I was "party girl" at University, my D.J. friend sometimes landed some not-so-well-known tracks to play at campus parties (he had some connections), but he tended to play only good party tunes.  This funkster is one of them -

Gonzalez - Just Let It Lay (1978)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUXF7cb6ss4

While I was "party girl" at University, my D.J. friend sometimes landed some not-so-well-known tracks to play at campus parties (he had some connections), but he tended to play only good party tunes.  This funkster is one of them -

Gonzalez - Just Let It Lay (1978)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUXF7cb6ss4


The only song I remember is "I Haven't Stopped Dancing Yet".

The only song I remember is "I Haven't Stopped Dancing Yet".


Indeed, "Haven't Stopped Dancing Yet", which came out later, was even a Top 40 hit.  But here's the big difference - "Just Let It Lay" is personal to me, not the case for "Haven't Stopped Dancing Yet".  When I hear "Just Let It Lay" it sends me right back to one of those late-night campus dance parties, apprentice D.J. Johnny (who I had a big crush on) behind the D.J. stack spinning the vinyl, and me dancing on the darkened dance floor with some cute stranger guy while admiring how some of the other girls were dressed.  Yes, it's memories like that I'll never forget.  And these very personal songs that help me remember.  :)

Here's a Disco-Funk tune I liked ever since hearing it on the radio -

The Blackbyrds - Rock Creek Park (1976)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILrvgPkFuXI

Here's a Disco-Funk tune I liked ever since hearing it on the radio -

The Blackbyrds - Rock Creek Park (1976)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILrvgPkFuXI

I think you meant to type Park. ;)

I think you meant to type Park. ;)


Yep!  O0  Good catch, Howard.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-TkkRC8vyM
Funkasize You- Sho-Nuff

I remember this funkster being popular during my high school days -

People's Choice - Do It Any Way You Wanna (1975)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qms17ZEZ7M8

Classic smash funkster from my high school days -

Stevie Wonder - Higher Ground (1973)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wZ3ZG_Wams

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMyGnFsYriM
The Whispers - (Let's Go) All The Way

This funkster is yet another of those songs I danced to as a "party girl" University freshman -

Ohio Players - O-H-I-O (1977)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0Iur61iGQA

This funkster is yet another of those songs I danced to as a "party girl" University freshman -

Ohio Players - O-H-I-O (1977)

New to me!

I never knew that this band had a song whose title was the first word of the band's name (albeit spelled out) - interesting! (I just learnt something new today!)

New to me!

I never knew that this band had a song whose title was the first word of the band's name (albeit spelled out) - interesting! (I just learnt something new today!)


O0

I wonder if there are enough songs with title/artist name commonality to make a thread?  (Or maybe there was such a thread in the past?  ??? )

O0

I wonder if there are enough songs with title/artist name commonality to make a thread?  (Or maybe there was such a thread in the past?  ??? )

Hmmm, that's an idea. I'm sure there are a good amount of them. (If so, we'd do it in MTAD.)

There is, however, a section on Amiright (a sister site of this one) that deals with such music: http://www.amiright.com/names/vain/
I have been reviewing incoming entries on it to see if they're appropriate enough to qualify.

Hmmm, that's an idea. I'm sure there are a good amount of them. (If so, we'd do it in MTAD.)

There is, however, a section on Amiright (a sister site of this one) that deals with such music: http://www.amiright.com/names/vain/
I have been reviewing incoming entries on it to see if they're appropriate enough to qualify.


It's an idea indeed.  If new, might it make sense to expand the thread so the artist name could be anywhere in the song lyrics?  That might warrant a decent number of entries.

It's an idea indeed.  If new, might it make sense to expand the thread so the artist name could be anywhere in the song lyrics?  That might warrant a decent number of entries.

That's definitely a good idea, I will think about it.

First time I heard these sisters it was this funkster -

Pointer Sisters - Yes We Can Can (1973)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZL9X6Kexo30

Here's yet another of the songs I danced to at University parties -

Stephanie Mills - Put Your Body In It (1979)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYEZPBdgHZY

Even the Philly Soul giants The O'Jays got a little funky -

The O'Jays - Give The People What They Want (1975)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeT652BPSX4

This smash funkster was my first hearing of the group -

B.T.Express - Do It (Til You're Satisfied) (1974)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvIQX_eDmN0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmnUpBRfKFc
John Ozila - Funky Boogie

Love this funky, somewhat unusual album cut - TBH, it didn't grab me at first; it "grew on me" -

Earth Wind & Fire - Fair But So Uncool (1974)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUX7Fr1iZBs

Can't forget about the Godfather!  This lesser-known tune was used in a 1973 film called "Black Caesar" -

James Brown - Down And Out In New York City (1973)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOlpe3vKdkQ

The first time I heard this, I thought it was someone else (you can probably guess).  Fun kiddie funk -

Foster Sylvers - Misdemeanor (1973)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VILtUYsW-9I

The first time I heard this, I thought it was someone else (you can probably guess).  Fun kiddie funk -

Foster Sylvers - Misdemeanor (1973)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VILtUYsW-9I

Michael Jackson?

Michael Jackson?


Indeed!  :)

Indeed!  :)

Even Donny Osmond and Ralph Tresvant from New Edition had the same comparisons.

At the time this hit, I was really into Astrology and Zodiac signs (as were many) -

Eddie Kendricks - Son of Sagittarius (1974)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUwg_XT_1do

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5ifMhBldI4
speaking of astrology: Roberta Kelly- Zodiacs (1977)

This funkster stands at the intersection of funk, disco and new jazz, by acclaimed jazz flutist Herbie Mann.  Although not a big hit, it received attention and airplay and appeared on Soul Train.  It was also thought a bit risque for its time.

Trivia: the primary vocalist is Cissy Houston, mother of the late-great Whitney Houston.

Herbie Mann - Waterbed (1975)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVaaVVTrGNo

When my older brother bought this on 45RPM, I thought it was an odd choice.  As a good little sister, I snuck it off to listen to.  I think I ultimately listened to it more than he did!  ;D

Isley Brothers - Pop That Thang (1972)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ga0jnQLIe5s

This Halloween classic is also pretty funky -

Redbone - Witch Queen of New Orleans (1972)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Svb95SAOM8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFo4_-Cq8tE
The Fatback Band - Freak The Freak The Funk

A fun, funky album cut I recall from when The Bump was all the rage -

Commodores - The Bump (1975)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfZxiOg3SaM

Yet another funkster I recall from the University dance parties I frequented with my DJ pals -

Con Funk Shun - Ffun (early 1978)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xroSn0rO7kg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ut9XQBAol0
Clarence Reid - Nobody But You Babe

Yet another funkster fondly remembered from my University "party girl" days (there's a few of these) -

L.T.D. - We Party Hearty (1977)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nntL4wRBoQA

Of his best-known hits, IMO this is likely his most funky -

Bill Withers - Use Me (1972)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuYDKzky4z0

As Patrice Rushen was mentioned on the 80's All Funk song thread, I'm reminded of this funkster from her 1978 album, Patrice -

Patrice Rushen - Hang It Up (1978)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84nJODsrqX4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XePS59Aqsc
Johnnie Taylor- The Users (1979)

Eric Burdon & War
"Spill The Wine"
1970
uE1NSGUkhQI

Eric Burdon & War
"Spill The Wine"
1970


O0 Good pick!

When I hear this funkster, it takes me back to that time just before moving to rural Michigan -

Wilson Pickett - Don't Knock My Love (1971)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZ0lwNceywE

This funky tune was popular during my high school days -

Gladys Knight & Pips - On And On (1974)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXh21BDiVEY

This funkster became a Top 10 hit in the U.S., despite being banned in many locales -

Chakachas - Jungle Fever (1972)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5oNoF8tM08

This funkster became a Top 10 hit in the U.S., despite being banned in many locales -

Chakachas - Jungle Fever (1972)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5oNoF8tM08

And I know why.  ;)

Though not their best known, I recall this funkster getting a little airplay then -

Temptations - Shakey Ground (1975)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0c69Y32mTiI

The "Godfather of Soul" endured a commercially dry period during the Disco heyday - but his creative juices were definitely flowing.  As with this little remembered funkster:

James Brown - If You Don't Give A Dogone About It (1977)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRFwnQsyeds
This is the "single" version...

Another funky instrumental smash from early in the decade -

Dennis Coffey & Detroit Guitar Band - Scorpio (1971)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBn_oUH8Uo0

Sly & The Family Stone - One Way (1979)


Howard, the album this lives on was from 1982, not 1979  :-\\

(Sly & Family did have an album release in 1979 but it was "Back On The Right Track".)

Howard, the album this lives on was from 1982, not 1979  :-\\

(Sly & Family did have an album release in 1979 but it was "Back On The Right Track".)

Sorry, I thought the video said 1979, my apologies AG.

Sorry, I thought the video said 1979, my apologies AG.


No worries.  :)  Sometimes the video is wrong.

Another fine funky instrumental, this from their 1976 debut album -

Brothers Johnson - Thunder Thumbs & Lightnin' Licks (1976)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbeUM2BqjY0

This funkster got a little airplay back in the day -

New Birth - I Can Understand It (1973)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzQGAFBZIv8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcZ5NNuPq-c
Herbie Hancock - Steppin' In It

Herbie Hancock - Steppin' In It


O0 From 1975, good pick and sounds vaguely familiar.

I think I'll go with Herbie Hancock too - here's one of his that's a bit earlier -

Herbie Hancock - Chameleon (1973)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nflo1jaMSUY
Note: this is the short version

O0 From 1975, good pick and sounds vaguely familiar.


Maybe I'll hear this one again.

Maybe I'll hear this one again.


"Hear" it again, or "Play" it again?  I'm not quite sure I follow  ???

(Not that it matters that much whether I get it...)

Of the group's hits, this was among their funkiest.  It also introduced Michael's new voice -

Jackson 5 - Get It Together (Fall 1973)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rU3kSFRN-7o

"Hear" it again, or "Play" it again?  I'm not quite sure I follow  ???

(Not that it matters that much whether I get it...)


Howard: You heard it for her, you can hear it for me!
AG: Well, I don't think I can remember...
Howard: If she can stand it, I can! Hear it!

Howard: You heard it for her, you can hear it for me!
AG: Well, I don't think I can remember...
Howard: If she can stand it, I can! Hear it!


    :D    ;D    :D

"Hear" it again, or "Play" it again?  I'm not quite sure I follow  ???

(Not that it matters that much whether I get it...)

I meant Play It Again, Anyways the beat sounds like something from Stevie Wonder.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHy5_HwHczY
Funky '75- KC And The Sunshine Band

I don't know why he would call this song Funky 75 when this is an instrumental version of Sound Your Funky Horn ???

This funkster is slightly better remembered than those of his I posted before; it had a degree of commercial success -

James Brown - Soul Power (1971)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5wVVXputPQ

Yet another funkster I recall dancing to with my D.J. pals at University -

Parliament - Flash Light (early 1978)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWurqD68u70

Funky '75- KC And The Sunshine Band

I don't know why he would call this song Funky 75 when this is an instrumental version of Sound Your Funky Horn ???


IMO that's a "lazy person" way to name a song, although it works.  Thing about it is, it sounds cool in 1975; in later years it just sounds dated.

This "comeback hit" smash from the one-time Drifters lead got some airplay when it was new -

Ben E. King - Supernatural Thing (1975)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2O8DZvAi6vU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEUIk-YVY8E
Kay-Gee's - Let's Boogie (1974)

This beloved, funky smash was a favorite during high school -

Earth Wind & Fire - Sing A Song (late 1975)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4dsPZmeTys

I believe I also danced to this funkster at University -

Roy Ayers - Freaky Deaky (1978)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_MgqEe4IFA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fXl0fymvvw&list=OLAK5uy_m5Xgj_lhHjTgYcdM61keSFi0TBtlMMthM&index=2
Daydream- Leon Haywood (1977)

My first introduction to this artist, this disco funkster caught my ear while at University -

Rick James - You And I (1978)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHmzCMsQ2Ho
This is the "single" version -

This smash funkster got lots of airplay when I was in high school -

Ohio Players - Fire (1975)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xqMY8UAGgg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8vCSxA4nIs
Barry White - Your Sweetness Is My Weakness (1977)

Not a huge hit, but this fine Disco-Funk tune got a little airplay at the time -

Michael Henderson - I Can't Help It (1977)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvAQYhLsg4k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bPYrSl8gn8

Peabo Bryson ‎– Have A Good Time (1977)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3kTNQYPLyk
Peter Brown- Crank It Up (Funk Town) (1979)  :)

I recall hearing this popular funkster as a University student -

Brothers Johnson - Ain't We Funkin' Now (1978)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDWtCusiqmc

Funky could be funny, too.  I remember this from my elementary school days -

Joe Tex - I Gotcha (1972)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDEZQxg2TSM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUtDyGmfEkw
Here's a one hit wonder by Bloodstone- Shake The Building (1976)  :)

Here's a one hit wonder by Bloodstone- Shake The Building (1976)  :)


Thanks for the post, Howard.  :)

To clarify, Bloodstone was essentially a one-hit-wonder; however, their one hit was a slow jam called "Natural High" from 1973.  They did have some minor hits after that, but could still be regarded a one-hit-wonder.  "Shake The Building" was not a hit.  But it doesn't need to be for this thread.

Thanks for the post, Howard.  :)

To clarify, Bloodstone was essentially a one-hit-wonder; however, their one hit was a slow jam called "Natural High" from 1973.  They did have some minor hits after that, but could still be regarded a one-hit-wonder.  "Shake The Building" was not a hit.  But it doesn't need to be for this thread.

They did have another hit but this was during 1983, it was called "Funkin Around".

They did have another hit but this was during 1983, it was called "Funkin Around".


Also not a hit.  These may have been album cuts, or unsuccessful single releases, but did not chart (you can look at their Wiki page at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloodstone_(band) - it has a list of their hits).

But it's okay on this thread to post songs that were not hits.

Back to the Godfather of Soul.  Not a huge hit, but it had plenty fans -

James Brown - Stoned To The Bone (1974)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZlq8NGuytE

Though not a huge hit, this funky cut got plenty of attention for this then up-and-coming group:

Earth Wind & Fire - Evil (1973)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55n5pHHC8yY

Classic funky Ike & Tina tune -

Ike & Tina Turner - Nutbush City Limits (1973)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALAWxatDoD0

Classic funky Ike & Tina tune -

Ike & Tina Turner - Nutbush City Limits (1973)



It is believed that Marc Bolan of T. Rex played guitar on this song, although it has never been confirmed 100%. It is generally acknowledged however, that he played on the Ike & Tina Turner singles "Sexy Ida (Part 2)" and "Baby—Get It On" from the same period.

It is believed that Marc Bolan of T. Rex played guitar on this song, although it has never been confirmed 100%. It is generally acknowledged however, that he played on the Ike & Tina Turner singles "Sexy Ida (Part 2)" and "Baby—Get It On" from the same period.


Good to know!  O0

Not their best known, but good for Halloween, and a little funky, too!

Jackson 5 - The Boogie Man (1973)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXOx3ZABwvU

Dynamic early 70's funk -

Get Down (1971)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7FjUnPYbU0

This funkster is a recent discovery for me, but what a groove -

The Meters - Just Kissed My Baby (1974)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9Op903LR4Q

Yet another funkster I heard while at University -

Funkadelic - (Not Just) Knee Deep (1979)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlJ3s9TNcuM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=annU71cNnKQ
Phaideaux Corner-Nucleus (1975)  :)

Yet another funkster I recall dancing to at University -

Mandre - Freakin's Fine (1979)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GngEQO-J7A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fm6DLggS_0s
L.T.D. - Jam! (1977)  :)

L.T.D. - Jam! (1977)  :)


O0 I hadn't heard this in years - thanks for posting it!

Making it funky -

James Brown - Make It Funky (1971)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fi1FHv6xfl0

There are times when Funk is a little laid back -

Sly & the Family Stone - (You Caught Me) Smilin' (1972)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfljDrx9Tho

Congrats to Chaka Khan, recent inductee into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame -

Rufus/Chaka Khan - Have A Good Time (1976)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkJuSdB17sU

This funkster also hails from my University days, although I regard it an "album cut" -

Raydio - You Need This (To Satisfy That) (1978)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tS_-tuKIhEw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzgOcA07gFg&list=OLAK5uy_mGwB_jpLFKNOZIuiKFEjfdplOCrGrQNLg&index=7
Pleasure- Dance To The Music

Yet another funkster I danced to while with my DJ friends at University -

Brick - Dusic (1977)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAOIRxR7NUA

Another funky album cut from the Mellow Madness album -

Quincy Jones - Paranoid (1975)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tu3SzIB_oFg

One of my favorite funk instrumentals of all time.

Bobby Byrd - If You Got A Love You Better (Hold On To It)


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