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 classic R&B masterpiece. A must-listen recommended album.
- A roundup of classic Western jazz-funk albums—from staples to the latest releases
- A masterpiece of soul music. Recommended albums you should listen to at least once.
- Great Black Music: Recommended Masterpieces
- R&B Masterpieces in Western Music: From the Latest Hits to Timeless Classics [2025]
- [Definitive Edition] Masterpieces of 70s Disco Music
- [Western Music] Cool Three-Piece Bands: Recommended Trios Roundup [2025]
- Summary of representative Western funk artists and groups
Recommended Western funk bands. Popular overseas bands (21–30)
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.
Smiling Faces SometimesThe Undisputed Truth
The song was written by Motown Records songwriters Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong.
It was originally recorded by The Temptations.
In the same year, 1971, it was re-recorded by The Undisputed Truth and became a hit.
Street LifeThe Crusaders
A song written by Joe Sample, pianist for the Crusaders, and lyricist Will Jennings.
Over the years, Jennings has written songs for many artists, including Eric Clapton, Roy Orbison, and Jimmy Buffett.
The song was used in Quentin Tarantino’s 1997 film Jackie Brown.
In conclusion
The 1970s saw a broad acceptance of new styles, with trends like the New Wave boom.
In that climate, funk music underwent major changes and has had a strong impact on today’s music scene.
Many of the bands introduced here were active in the 1970s, so just reading this article should give you a solid overview of funk music.
Modern funk is also extremely compelling, so why not use this article as a starting point to dive deeper into funk music?