Summary of representative Western funk artists and groups
Have you heard of funk, a genre of music that evolved from soul in the 1960s and 1970s?
Many funk songs became huge hits, so you might have listened to some without even realizing they were funk.
This article introduces the essential artists and groups you can’t leave out when talking about funk.
Even today, in the 2020s, many of these artists are active as solo musicians and producers.
By tracing the history of funk, you’ll see how it connects to modern genres like rock, pop, hip-hop, and R&B.
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to dive deeper into the world of funk, be sure to check it out!
Playlist
| Summary of representative Western funk artists and groups | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| show_chart | Title | Playlist | Review |
| 1east | Stretchin’ Out (In a Rubber Band)Bootsy Collins | play_arrow | Legendary funk bassist Bootsy Collins |
| 2east | Live It Up (Part 1 & 2)The Isley Brothers | play_arrow | The Isley Brothers are pioneers of funk |
| 3east | ControversyPrince | play_arrow | A text introducing Prince’s musicality and activities |
| 4east | Get Down On ItKool and The Gang | play_arrow | Kool & The Gang, a popular band that fused funk and pop |
| 5east | Out of SightJames Brown | play_arrow | James Brown, founder of funk |
| 6east | The JamGraham Central Station | play_arrow | Graham Central Station, a legendary funk band |
| 7east | P. Funk (Wants to Get Funked Up)Parliament | play_arrow | Parliament’s funk music and influence |
| 8east | Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)Sly & The Family Stone | play_arrow | The musical influence of the band led by Sly Stone |
| 9east | I Feel for YouChaka Khan | play_arrow | Chaka Khan thrives as the Queen of Funk. |
| 10east | Let’s GrooveEarth, Wind & Fire | play_arrow | The history and influence of Earth, Wind & Fire |
| 11east | Super FreakRick James | play_arrow | Rick James's punk-funk |
| 12east | If I’m In Luck I Might Get Picked UpBetty Davis | play_arrow | Betty Davis, a pioneer of 1970s funk |
| 13east | Theme from ShaftIsaac Hayes | play_arrow | Isaac Hayes is a key figure in the history of funk. |
| 14east | Love RollercoasterOhio Players | play_arrow | The success and influence of the Ohio Players |
| 15east | Dance FloorZapp | play_arrow | Zapp are electro-funk pioneers from Ohio. |


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