[For Beginners] A Roundup of Classic Popular Soul/Funk Bands

Early In The MorningThe Gap Band

The Gap Band – Early In The Morning (Official Music Video)

Hailing from Tulsa, Oklahoma, The Gap Band was a funk and R&B group that achieved major success from the late 1970s through the 1980s.

With tracks like “Early in the Morning” and “You Dropped a Bomb on Me,” they brought a fresh breeze to the music scene of the time.

The band was formed around the three Wilson brothers—Charlie, Ronnie, and Robert—who named the group in reference to Tulsa’s local history.

Their music blends high-energy funk with elements of R&B and soul, drawing influence from legends like Sly Stone and George Clinton.

They’ve been widely sampled, continuing to exert a strong influence on R&B and hip-hop.

In particular, “Outstanding” has inspired an especially large number of artists.

Even listeners unfamiliar with funk or R&B will quickly be captivated by the band’s appeal.

Cosmic SlopFunkadelic

Parliament Funkadelic – Cosmic Slop – Mothership Connection – Houston 1976

Funkadelic is a funk rock band formed in 1968 in New Jersey, USA.

They are emblematic of P-Funk, and under the leadership of George Clinton, they developed a unique musical style that fused psychedelic funk with hard rock as the flagship of his collective.

In the 1970s, they achieved commercial success with signature tracks such as “Maggot Brain” and “One Nation Under a Groove,” opening up new horizons for funk music.

In particular, “One Nation Under a Groove” spent six weeks at No.

1 on the R&B chart, a testament to its immense impact.

In 1997, their achievements were recognized with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Funkadelic’s music continues to influence not only funk but also rock and hip-hop artists.

Their innovative sound and profound social messages make them highly recommended for a wide range of listeners, from newcomers to seasoned fans.

Love RollercoasterOhio Players

Ohio Players “Love Rollercoaster”

Ohio Players is a band formed in 1959 in Dayton, Ohio, USA, categorized in the funk and soul genres.

In the 1970s, they released numerous hit songs such as “Fire” and “Love Rollercoaster,” achieving No.

1 on both the R&B and pop charts and enjoying immense popularity at the time.

In particular, “Fire,” released in 1975, topped both the R&B and pop charts, underscoring the band’s tremendous impact.

Known for their distinctive musical style and stage performances, the Ohio Players were inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame in 2013, recognizing their longstanding contributions to the music industry.

This band is especially recommended for those who want to experience the appeal of funk and soul music, or who are interested in popular music from the 1970s.

Pick Up The PiecesAverage White Band

Average White Band – Pick Up The Pieces (1977)

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.

That LadyThe Isley Brothers

The Isley Brothers – That Lady, Pts. 1 & 2 (Official Audio)

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.

I Can Make You DanceZapp

Zapp – I Can Make You Dance (Official Music Video)

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.

The Cisco kidWar

The Cisco kid- War

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.