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 (21–30)
One Nation Under A GrooveFunkadelic
This song was inspired by a United Nations event.
It was released in 1978.
It’s also known that the title had been on George Clinton’s mind for two years before the track was recorded.
The song was used in the 1991 film “Young Soul Rebels.”
ApacheIncredible Bongo Band
A cover of a song written by Jerry Lordan.
Despite not being released as a single and not charting on the Billboard Hot 100, it is said to be one of the most influential songs in American popular music over the past 40 years.
Brick HouseThe Communards
A song about a woman with a wonderful body.
It was written by guitarist and trumpeter William King, with drummer Walter Orange on vocals.
Their softer songs like “Easy” and “Three Times a Lady” used Lionel Richie as the lead vocalist.
Pick Up The PiecesAverage White Band
This is a high-spirited instrumental track from Average White Band’s first album, Show Your Hand, formed in 1972.
In late 1974, drummer and founding member Robbie McIntosh died of a drug overdose at a party in Hollywood.
Play That Funky MusicWild Cherry
This song, which sold two million copies, remains Wild Cherry’s only hit.
The band’s name was chosen by frontman Rob Parissi, who got the idea from a cough syrup box he saw while in the hospital.
The track has been used in many forms of media, including the 1999 film Mystery Men.