Let’s Get Funky!

Let's Get Funky!

Funk music originated in the late 1960’s. It was a combination of Rhythm & Blues, Soul and Jazz music. Funk music had strong complex rhythms, giving African Americans something to dance and groove to. The bass guitar, drums, electric guitar, keyboards, and vocals all combined to give listeners a sound like nothing they had ever heard before.

Funky Artists

James Brown

Parliament - Funkadelic

CHIC

Rick James

Musicians like the ones above used funk music as a way to express themselves. They showed their creativity, innovation, and undeniable pride of being Black in America during a time when the rest of the country was against them. The most known funk song is by the Godfather of Soul himself, James Brown. ‘Say it Loud’ was a funk song performed by James Brown emphasizing pro-Blackness and the overall need for Black empowerment. “Say it LOUD! I’m Black and I’m PROUD!”