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 international bands (11–20)
Let It WhipDazz Band
A band known to those in the know: the Dazz Band.
Their name “Dazz” is said to be an abbreviation of “danceable jazz,” and as that origin suggests, they’re known for a style that mixes funk and disco music on a jazz foundation.
Because their sound makes extensive use of synthesizers, it notably resembles the style of Earth, Wind & Fire.
You could think of them as a jazz-funk version of Earth, Wind & Fire.
Once You Get StartedRufus
Rufus is a funk band from Chicago.
They’re famous for having Chaka Khan in the lineup, which also helped launch her career.
While they’re often labeled a funk band, Rufus’s musical scope is very broad—they created songs across a range of Black music styles, including soul, R&B, smooth soul, and disco.
Although they once disbanded, they’re still active today, so be sure to check them out.
Early In The MorningThe Gap Band
Funk bands pair extremely well with hip-hop, and even today many rappers and composers sample classic tracks from the golden age of funk bands.
Among them, one group that enjoys particular popularity is The Gap Band.
Known for their synth bass—widely used in the early 1980s—and catchy phrases, they were hugely active from the 1970s through the 1980s.
They have many fans in the hip-hop scene as well, to the point that some rappers even lift their chorus lyrics outright.
Word UpCameo
Cameo is a funk band that gained popularity from the 1970s to the 1980s.
Rather than a straightforward funk band, they specialized in stylish funk music richly infused with R&B elements.
Thanks to that musical direction, they remained popular even in the 1980s after the funk boom had passed.
They are still active today, and their sound has grown more refined with each stage of their career, so be sure to check them out.
Fantastic VoyageLakeside
Many funk bands don’t have vocalists, and compared to other Black music styles, vocals tend to be less emphasized.
Of course, that’s one of the appeals of funk music, but some listeners may want to focus on the vocals.
For those listeners, I recommend the band Lakeside.
They’re highly acclaimed for their lead vocals and harmonies, and every track delivers an overwhelming performance.