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!