Recommended Western funk bands. Popular overseas bands.
Funk music, a genre that was hugely popular in the 1970s.
Although funk lost momentum from the 1980s as genres like blue-eyed soul, house, and synth-pop rose to prominence, in recent years the 1970s sound has been rediscovered—thanks in large part to Bruno Mars—and the genre is once again drawing attention.
This time, I’d like to introduce some legendary bands that laid the foundation for funk music.
Just by looking at an overview of these bands, you’ll get a sense of funk’s history, so beginners are encouraged to read to the end!
- [For Beginners] A Roundup of Classic Popular Soul/Funk Bands
- Funky Vibes: The Past and Present of Funk Music
- [Western Music] Tracing the Roots of Funk: Essential Albums Beginners Should Hear at Least Once
- Western songs with cool bass lines: classic and popular tracks recommended for bassists
- Legends of soul music: its history and allure revisited through classic songs
- A roundup of classic Western jazz-funk albums—from staples to the latest releases
- [2026] Must-Listen R&B Masterpieces: From Timeless Classics to Recent Favorites
- A masterpiece of soul music. Recommended albums you should listen to at least once.
- Packed with slap groove vibes! A collection of songs with cool bass
- Great Black Music: Recommended Masterpieces
- A special feature on classic and hit songs by bands that were active in the 1980s
- [Definitive Edition] Masterpieces of 70s Disco Music
- [Western Music] Cool Three-Piece Bands: Recommended Trios Roundup [2026]
Recommended Western funk bands. Popular overseas bands (1–10)
Cissy StrutThe Meters
The Meters are a band from New Orleans.
There’s a subgenre of funk music called New Orleans funk, and the Meters are known as pioneers of it, leaving a major impact on today’s music scene.
While New Orleans is famous as a hotbed of jazz, you can also feel the essence of classic New Orleans jazz in their work.
Highly recommended for anyone looking for stylish funk music.
Between the SheetsThe Isley Brothers
The Isley Brothers are a U.S.-born music group known for their distinctive performances and unique, eye-catching outfits.
While they excel in a variety of styles—including R&B, funk, soul, and garage rock—they’re best known for their work as a funk band.
Active since 1954, the group continued on even after one member was imprisoned for tax evasion; following his release, they have remained active up to the present day.
Be sure to check them out.
Papa’s Got A Brand New BagThe Famous Flames
The Famous Flames were a band active from the 1950s through the 1960s.
They’re often thought of as a funk band, but in fact they primarily focused on R&B and soul, and only began delving into funk music after they started performing with James Brown.
For that reason, their playing has a stylish quality not usually found in typical funk bands, and it will likely feel fresh to first-time listeners.
They’re a band you’ll inevitably encounter when exploring the history of funk music, so be sure to check them out.
FireOhio Players
The Ohio Players were a funk band active from the 1960s through the 2000s.
There’s a subgenre of funk called Ohio funk, and they were one of its leading bands, energizing the funk scene for many years.
Because many of their tracks are so striking, major rappers like N.W.A and The Notorious B.I.G.
have sampled their music.
CoolThe Time
A song by The Time, featuring Minneapolis musician Morris Day, and Jesse Johnson, Jimmy “Jam” Harris, and Terry Lewis.
It is said to be a quintessential example of the “Minneapolis Sound” that gained popularity from the mid- to late 1980s.
The band disbanded shortly after the song was released.