![[For Beginners] A Roundup of Classic Popular Soul/Funk Bands](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/bWurqD68u70/sddefault.jpg)
[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!
[For Beginners] A Roundup of Classic Western Soul/Funk Popular Bands (1–10)
Flash LightParliament
Parliament, which colored the golden age of funk, was formed in the 1970s in Detroit, USA by George Clinton.
They became icons of funk music with hit songs like Flash Light and Aqua Boogie.
In 1976, they released Mothership Connection, shocking the music world as they incorporated science fiction and Afrofuturism into their sound and established a new genre known as P-Funk.
With their innovative musicality and visual performances, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.
They’re highly recommended not only for lovers of funk, but also for anyone interested in their unique worldview and powerful messaging.
CelebrationKool and The Gang
Formed in New Jersey in 1964, Kool & the Gang produced numerous hit songs throughout the 1970s and 1980s, bringing a tremendous impact to popular music.
Signature tracks like “Celebration” and “Ladies Night” remain beloved by many to this day.
They have won two Grammy Awards and seven American Music Awards, accolades that attest to their musicality and talent.
With a superb blend of soul, funk, and jazz, their songs continue to feel fresh.
They are especially recommended for those who want to delve deeply into music or who seek melodies and rhythms that move the heart.
Everyday PeopleSly & The Family Stone
Sly & The Family Stone is a legendary band from San Francisco, California, formed in 1966.
They influenced a wide range of genres including funk, soul, R&B, psychedelia, and rock, and produced numerous hits such as the 1969 album Stand!.
They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 and are highly regarded for their contribution to racial and gender integration in the music world.
They are especially recommended for those who want to learn about the history of soul and funk or who are interested in the roots of music.
Led by Sly Stone, the band’s music continues to influence many artists to this day.
Let’s GrooveEarth, Wind & Fire
Earth, Wind & Fire, formed in Chicago in 1969, have fans all over the world thanks to their wide-ranging sound that spans from jazz-funk to soul and even disco.
Their 1975 release “Shining Star” and the string of consecutive hits that followed were particularly stunning, and songs like “September” and “Boogie Wonderland” remain beloved by many to this day.
Their accolades are equally impressive: they earned triple platinum with the album “That’s the Way of the World” and became the first Black artists to top both the album and singles charts.
Whether you’re a devoted music lover or just looking for everyday background music, Earth, Wind & Fire’s songs fit any scene.
Cowboys to GirlsThe Intruders
A song written by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff.
This songwriting duo is known for shaping the sound of Philadelphia soul in the 1960s and 1970s.
The track was released as a single in 1968.
Three Times A LadyThe Communards
Formed in Alabama in 1968, the Commodores are widely beloved in the genres of R&B, funk, and soul.
They garnered attention with “Machine Gun” and “The Bump” from their debut album Machine Gun, and found success with ballads like “Sweet Love” and “Easy.” Notably, “Three Times a Lady” became a No.
1 hit in the United States in 1978, and they won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance for “Nightshift” in 1985.
Even after Lionel Richie’s departure, the group continued their long-running career with J.
D.
Nicholas joining as a new vocalist.
Even listeners unfamiliar with soul or funk will be moved by their melodious songs, which remind us of the power of music.
Word UpCameo
Cameo is a funk band born in New York in 1974, centered around Larry Blackmon.
While honoring funk traditions, their music is characterized by the incorporation of diverse genres such as pop, hip-hop, rock, and reggae.
In particular, their 1986 release “Word Up!” is widely known as their signature song and received high acclaim on the music charts.
Recognizing their contributions to the music industry, they received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Trumpet Awards in 2018.
Additionally, they have had a significant influence on later musicians, with notable artists like Tupac and Mariah Carey sampling their work.
For those who want to discover the appeal of funk music, listening to Cameo can be a key to understanding its depth.