Tuesday 31 March 2009

Funk

The sound of Funk consists of four on the floor bass drums, 16 hi hats, up stroked guitars and walking bass lines. Funk was heavenly influenced by blues and soul, which contributed to this sound. It originated in the 60’s but was most prominent in the 70’s with artists such as James Brown, Sly and the Family Stone and Tower Of Power.
James Brown was the most influential musician in Funk, with his own style of the downbeat, adding emphasis to the first beat in each bar. Although funk was mainly in the 70’s James Browns first hit single was “Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag” released in 1965. His biggest political song was “Say It Loud (Black And Proud)” this was a track that black people could relate to.
James said “The song is obsolete now... But it was necessary to teach pride then, and I think the song did a lot of good for a lot of people... People called "Black and Proud" militant and angry - maybe because of the line about dying on your feet instead of living on your knees. But really, if you listen to it, it sounds like a children's song. That's why I had children in it, so children who heard it could grow up feeling pride... The song cost me a lot of my crossover audience. The racial makeup at my concerts was mostly black after that. I don't regret it, though, even if it was misunderstood.” (1)
This song was a main part in the civil rights movement, James Brown was a key factor in the revolution in black and white relations.
Funk has went on to influence modern Rhythm and Blues artists, Disco and even Punk.

Some Famous FUnk Tracks :






References :
1. Brown, James, with Bruce Tucker. James Brown: The Godfather of Soul (New York: Macmillan Publishing Company,1986), 200.