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)
Thank YouSly & The Family Stone
Sly and the Family Stone, a funk band based in San Francisco that gained worldwide popularity.
From the 1960s through the 1980s, funk bands were almost invariably composed entirely of Black musicians.
They were unusual in that their members were mixed in both race and gender.
Perhaps for that reason, rather than being a straightforward funk band, they are notable for a distinctive funk sound that blends genres like pop rock and psychedelic soul.
What is Hip?Tower Of Power
Tower of Power is a band that gained popularity with a sound that mixes funk and R&B.
Active from the late 1960s to the present, they have made major contributions to the funk scene.
They’re also well known in Japan, having once served as the band for Hiroshi Kamayatsu and RC Succession.
Their biggest attraction, above all, is their horn section, isn’t it? Their music brings out the best in the baritone saxophone, delivering a pleasantly stimulating experience.
Jungle BoogieKool and The Gang
Kool & the Gang are a legendary funk band that have remained at the forefront since the 1960s.
They originally started as an instrumental band without a vocalist, but once a singer joined, their popularity took off and they gained worldwide recognition.
In their early years they focused on jazz-funk, and with a career spanning over 50 years, they now showcase a wide range of funk styles.
Simply tracing their history is enough to grasp what funk music is all about, so be sure to check them out.
Give Up The Funk (Tear The Roof Off The Sucker)Parliament-Funkadelic
P-Funk, the funk collective that was hugely active in the 1970s.
It’s a bit complicated, but P-Funk doesn’t refer to a single band; it’s an umbrella term for two bands—Parliament and Funkadelic—and the two worked together to release numerous tracks.
What makes P-Funk so compelling, above all, are its unforgettable riffs and phrases.
Their catalog is full of catchy, hard-hitting songs, and many of them are still sampled by lots of rappers today.
Let’s GrooveEarth, Wind & Fire
For those who aren’t familiar with funk bands, the group that probably leaves the strongest impression is Earth, Wind & Fire.
Formed around Maurice White, this band gained worldwide popularity with a sound that blends disco and funk.
Their songs are all crafted to be highly catchy, so if you’re just getting into funk music, they’re a must-listen.