[For Beginners] A Roundup of Classic Popular Soul/Funk Bands
Even if you’ve never thought of them as musical genres, many people have probably used words like “soulful” or “funky” in everyday life.
Soul music, which developed from genres such as gospel and blues created by African Americans, and its offshoot funk have continued to exert a huge influence on contemporary 2020s pop, popular music, and other genres.
This article introduces groups that perform in a “band” format within soul and funk music.
Many of these bands have songs you’ve likely heard somewhere before, so if you’re new to soul music, be sure to check them out!
- Recommended Western funk bands. Popular overseas bands.
- Legends of soul music: its history and allure revisited through classic songs
- A masterpiece of soul music. Recommended albums you should listen to at least once.
- [Western Music] Tracing the Roots of Funk: Essential Albums Beginners Should Hear at Least Once
- [2026] Must-Listen R&B Masterpieces: From Timeless Classics to Recent Favorites
- Recommended Japanese funk bands. Funky Japanese artists.
- For Beginners to Western Music: Recommended Western Music Groups – A Roundup of Popular Bands
- A classic jazz-funk masterpiece. A popular recommended track that offers a different flavor from traditional jazz.
- Western R&B Popularity Rankings [2026]
- Western songs with cool bass lines: classic and popular tracks recommended for bassists
- Classic and Contemporary Hits in Western R&B: From the Newest Popular Tracks to All-Time Big Hits [2026]
- Popular R&B: Western Music Artist Rankings [2026]
- Summary of representative Western funk artists and groups
[For Beginners] Classic Western Soul/Funk Popular Bands (11–20)
I Can Make You DanceZapp
Formed in Dayton, Ohio in 1977, Zapp played a key role in the subgenre of electro-funk.
With their distinctive use of the talk box, they achieved major success with “More Bounce to the Ounce” from their debut album, Zapp.
By the early 1980s, they had secured their place in the funk music scene.
Roger Troutman also enjoyed remarkable success as a solo artist, producing hits like “I Want to Be Your Man.” Furthermore, in the 1990s, Zapp’s music was frequently sampled in the hip-hop scene, exerting a huge influence, including their participation in 2Pac’s “California Love.” Highly recommended for those who love funky beats or want to explore the depths of electro-funk.
That LadyThe Isley Brothers
The Isley Brothers formed in the 1950s in Ohio, United States, and have left a lasting mark in the realms of soul and funk.
They rose to worldwide fame with songs like “Shout” (1959) and Twist and Shout (1962), and won a Grammy for It’s Your Thing, released in 1969.
Their wide-ranging musicality—from rhythm and blues to rock, soul, and funk—has been loved by listeners across generations.
The band is known not only for their innovative sound but also for forging their own path in business by establishing their own record label.
If you’re interested in genres like soul and funk, they’re definitely a group you should check out.
Pick Up The PiecesAverage White Band
Average White Band is a group from Scotland with a distinguished history in funk and R&B, formed in London in 1972.
Their signature track Pick Up the Pieces and albums AWB and Cut the Cake, among others, captivated many fans with their rhythmic and distinctive sound.
Although the band went through a difficult period due to the tragic death of drummer Robbie McIntosh, they have continued their musical journey since reuniting in 1989.
Their name—seemingly a self-deprecating nod to being a white rather than a black band—is also intriguing.
If you’re curious about soul music made by non–African American artists, be sure to give them a listen.
The Cisco kidWar
Formed in 1969 in California, the American band War forged a distinctive musical style by blending funk, rock, soul, and Latin influences.
They produced numerous signature works, including the Billboard best-selling album The World Is a Ghetto (1973) and the hit song Spill the Wine.
As leaders of progressive soul in the 1970s, they continued their musical experimentation through trial and error, including collaborations with Eric Burdon.
Centered around Lonnie Jordan, the group remains active today, and their deep musicality—spanning funk, soul, and Latin music—continues to captivate younger music fans.
Best of My LoveThe Emotions
The Emotions are a sister group from Chicago known for their powerful gospel-honed vocals and sophisticated harmonies.
After debuting in 1969, they entered their golden era by teaming up with Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire.
Their signature song is undoubtedly “Best of My Love,” released in 1977 and a No.
1 hit in the U.S.
This track, which also won at the 20th Annual Grammy Awards, features a bright, breezy sound emblematic of the disco boom.
If you’re looking to lift your spirits or enjoy the glittering dance numbers of the ’70s, be sure to give their music a listen.