Additional Sources For More Information

1. "Funk: The Music, The People, and The Rhythm of The One" by Rickey Vincent

-An in-depth book which attempts to define what "Funk" music is and highlights many of the artists and songs in my playlist.

2. "Funky and Groovy Music Records Lexicon"

-A reference guide with all the important information of the funk and soul scene to help create and extensive and thorough collection and funk and soul music. It documents thousands of rare records that were influential to the funk and soul scene.

3. "Sweet Soul Music" by Peter Guralnick

-A comprehensive book solely on the Soul music from the South, excluding Soul music from such areas as Detroit and Philadelphia. Although a unique approach, it quite possibly is a very interesting read about Soul music.

4. www.soulandfunkmusic.com

-"The ultimate soul and funk database!" Plenty of news, music, and information regarding only the music of the funk and soul scene, a perfect online resource if interested in the scene and this playlist.

5. www.surefunk.com

-Another great online resource for funk music. However, this website also deals with other genres scuh as hip hop. They also sell t-shirts and have a "Funk" blog.

6. www.macidol.com/music/rnb/

-A musical database containing RnB, Soul, and Funk music which allows MP3 downloads of the music for your iPod and MP3 player.

Picture: http://www.amoeba.com/dynamic-images/blog/9780312134990.jpg

Rasputin's Stash- Mr. Cool

Artist: Rasputin's Stash

Song: Mr. Cool

Album: Rasputin's Stash

Record Company: Cotillion

Catalog Number: SD 9046

Release: 1971

"Mr. Cool" was not a "hit" song by any means of the imagination, however that does not make it any less important in the funk and soul scene. With Rasputin's Stash unique and psychedelic beats, funky and rhythmic horn patterns, and smooth and soulful vocals, "Mr. Cool" was a song frequently getting played in the Urban night/dance clubs of America in the early 70s. The Urban youth related to the song because of the slang used throughout the lyrics, and the overall message of the song, being "cool" and enjoying yourself. The innovative sound has been sampled in such current hits as "Ballin" by Jim Jones. These qualities made this song crucial to the early funk and soul scene.

To listen to a 30-second soundbite, click the link, then click the play button: http://www.amazon.com/Cool-Album-Version-2006-Remastered/dp/B0012FATKI

Picture: http://lavieenrobe.typepad.com/la_vie_en_robe/images/2008/01/17/raspstash.jpg

Tower of Power- Don't Change Horses

Artist: Tower of Power

Song: Don't Change Horses

Album: Back to Oakland

Record Company: Warner Bros. Records

Catalog Number: K 46282

Release: 1974

The horn-driven funk band had another influential song in the funk and soul scene with "Don't Change Horses." The catchy and remarkable horn playing throughout the song, combined with the catchy "Giddy Up, Giddy Up..." proved to be a dance club hit. With songs such as these, Tower of Power always kept the music funky and the listeners dancing and having a good time.

To listen and watch live (short version), click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSEfaNhhKco

Picture: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9oeNMCwMfCZ5QgpsJD1GakSjdAOivYHiOZLda1H41QQMR10OMGH2MlAaPFx47vhfNqRj22RH-czWXw4VcoNzH8LNomc76oOA-Bpuoju-GObgtWqyKH-yxKiCJhJNxlFhKbAdY1Vgnksc/s400/tower.jpg

Earth, Wind, and Fire- Reasons

Artist: Earth, Wind, and Fire

Song: Reasons

Album: That's the Way of the World

Record Company: CBS

Catalog Number: CBS 32054

Release: 1975

Earth, Wind, and Fire slows the tempo down in "Reasons" and brings a soulful feel and the message of love. Regardless, it was still one of the biggest slow songs of the soul and funk scene, and was played numerous times in the clubs at the end of the night for one last slow dance. Like most Earth, Wind, and Fire songs, and most songs in the funk and soul scene for that matter, the song is catchy with a plethora of hooks. Yet, the group keeps their trademark horns and rhythm section, and the all important funk bassline. This exemplifies why Earth, Wind, and Fire were so influential to so many other genres of music, and why they were one of the biggest artists in the funk and soul scene.

To listen and watch live, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NnXIxSAa1Q

Sources: Allmusic

http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=33:dpfyxqrdldse

Picture: http://www.ohm1.com/Earth-Wind-&-Fire-2.jpg

Kool and the Gang- Hollywood Swinging

Artist: Kool and the Gang
Song: Hollywood Swinging
Album: Wild and Peaceful

Record Company: Polydor

Catalog Number: 2310 299

Release: 1973

Similar to "Jungle Boogie," "Hollywood Swinging" had a rhythmic horn section and a funky bassline. It was a crossover hit, as it even climbed the pop charts. The fun and simply chorus made this a funk song to sing and dance to. This song has been sampled countless times by a variety of hip hop musicians, and most notably influenced the disco scene, as Kool and the Gang went on to make music in the disco scene in the following years.

To listen and watch live, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10Il77mbV0Y

Sources: Wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hollywood_Swinging

Picture: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtopU6Vqksag2XAXZPNrhcnfcocWdxBFiulSf07FCOR7LLWmPtNDIqXdSBqExmlziQYIjRTU_QiUT7zvir3on6MSdBAHpkdb4ajNIrZOnNxprDEYckC409Z9gUwZ8bfySxCZECM8-R7k/s320/front.jpg

Ohio Players- Love Rollercoaster

Artist: Ohio Players

Song: Love Rollercoaster

Album: Honey

Record Company: Mercury

Catalog Number: 6338 581

Release: 1975

Another legendary song within the funk and soul scene recorded by the Ohio Players, Love Rollercoaster was a huge funk hit in 1975. Its circular rhythm, definitive guitar riffs, and catchy chorus made this one of the biggest songs at the club. A song with these qualities combined with stunning vocals by Leroy Bonner made the whoever was listening enjoy the 1970s.

To listen and watch live, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBkVV9xxCHE

Sources: Allmusic

http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=33:jcfexqerldke

Picture: http://www.mainstevents.com/2008%20FFG/08%20Entertainment/Band%20Photos/ohio%20players.jpg

Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes- Bad Luck

Artist: Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes

Song: Bad Luck

Album: To Be True

Record Company: Philadelphia International Records

Catalog Number: PIR 80399

Release: 1975

Featuring the "Instant Funk Rhythm Section," "Bad Luck" became a number one hit on the U.S. Dance Chart, which was nearly unheard of for a band known for Philly Soul. With an up-tempo rhythm produced by several brass instruments and Teddy Pendergrass doing vocals, this song had a tremendous impact in the clubs and on the funk and soul scene as a whole. It also became a significant influence on several disco songs, as many in the disco scene attempted to put together the harmonizing vocals and catchy rhythm that this song consisted of which made it such a big dance hit.

To listen, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VR8KfMTmPRQ

Sources: Allmusic

http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=33:j9fixqtrldfe

Wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_Melvin_&_the_Blue_Notes

Picture: http://www.onlyfunk.com/Affiches/Harold%20Melvin%20&%20The%20Blue%20Notes/Harold%20Melvin%20&%20The%20Blue%20Notes.jpg

Frankie Beverly and Maze- Lady of Magic

Artist: Frankie Beverly and Maze

Song: Lady of Magic

Album: Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly

Record Company: Capitol Records

Catalog Number: EST 11607

Release: 1977

"Lady of Magic" is a very soulful slow song, sung with a smooth-like passion by Frankie Beverly. Yet, it again speaks on the idea of love and the joy a man feels when in love with the right woman. It was a song played in the clubs meant for a slow dance by all the couples. Although it is of slow-tempo, however, it does have the trademark funk bassline in the music, which made it a popular song in the funk and soul scene.

To listen, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWWllW6SrG8

Picture: http://image.allmusic.com/56/amg/pic200/drP000/P081/P08197L47R9.jpg

The Isley Brothers- Pop That Thang

Artist: The Isley Brothers

Song: Pop That Thang

Album: Brother, Brother, Brother

Record Company: T-Neck Records Inc.

Catalog Number: TNS 3009

Release: 1972

"Pop That Thang" was one of the few true "funk" songs The Isley Brothers recorded that was successful in the clubs and on the charts, as most their successful songs were soul songs. "Pop That Thang" is a song with a very unique, dance sound to it with the typical funky bassline of a funk song. Due to this unique funk sound, and the smooth voices of The Isley Brothers, it became very successful during the funk and soul scene.

To listen to a 30 second snippet, click the link, then the sound button on top of the page: http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=33:3vfixz90ld6e

Picture: http://www.quadsk8.nl/quadsk8/images/stories/music/isley%20brothers.jpg

The Spinners- They Just Can't Stop It (Games People Play)

Artist: The Spinners

Song: They Just Can't Stop It (Games People Play)

Album: Pick of the Litter

Record Company: Atlantic

Catalog Number: 50 155

Release: 1975

"They Just Can't Stop It" has a clever melody and easy going approach to the vocals, which made it a popular song to dance to during the funk and soul scene, as they performed it on Soul Train. The piano playing is very catchy, and although the song has a very soulful sound to it, it nonetheless was a great song to dance to in the club.

To listen and watch the performance on Soul Train, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePKS9HMrQ_s

Picture: http://www.geocities.jp/dwbb12/spilitter.jpg

The Spinners- The Rubberband Man

Artist: The Spinners

Song: The Rubberband Man

Album: Happiness is Being With The Spinners

Record Company: Atlantic

Catalog Number: SD 18181

Release: 1976

The Spinners had large contributions to the funk and soul musical tradition, with them virtually defining the Philly soul groove style of the funk and soul scene of the early 70s. "Rubberband Man" has an infectiously funky rhythm with the catchy piano playing and the bursts of the horn section. Not only was it a big song for the nightclubs, but it was a crossover hit as well, landing as high as number two on the Pop Singles Chart. The swagger-like lyrics and the funky beat made it easy for the club-going youth of the 70s to relate to and dance to.

To listen, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNNGkybsLUI

Sources: Allmusic

http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=33:0zfyxq9dldse

Picture: http://991.com/newGallery/The-Detroit-Spinners-Happiness-Is-Bein-408641.jpg

Commodores- Brick House

Artist: Commodores

Song: Brick House

Album: Commodores

Record Company: Motown

Catalog Number: M7-884R1

Release: 1977

"Brick House" was a song all about having fun and enjoying women! Its memorable horn-driven beat and funky bassline made it a huge song in the clubs, as everyone wanted to dance to this song. The catchy chorus, which is common for the funk songs of the funk and soul scene, made it a hit, while the use of slang (brick house was slang for a voluptuous woman) made it even easier for Urban youth to relate to and enjoy.

To listen, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrBx6mAWYPU

Picture: http://www.dance-lyrics.com/ama/other_songs_b00005o6hx.jpg

Parliament- Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof Off the Sucker)

Artist: Parliament

Song: Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof Off the Sucker)

Album: Mothership Connection

Record Company: Casablanca Records

Catalog Number: NBLP 7022

Release: 1975

"Give Up the Funk" was a monumental song in the funk and soul scene. By creating a sound known as "P-Funk," according to George Clinton and the Parliament, this song represented everything the funk scene was about. It had an amazing singalong chorus, a rangy bassline, and an up-tempo rhythm with brass fills. It was the epitome of a song that made an individual feel good and get out on the dance floor.

To listen and watch a live performance, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-qhQbYwDOk

Sources: Allmusic

http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=33:fpfyxct5ldae

Picture: http://intothemusic.ca/images/uploads/covers/Parliament_-_Mothership_Connection.jpg

Average White Band- Pick Up the Pieces

Artist: Average White Band

Song: Pick Up the Pieces

Album: AWB

Record Company: Atlantic

Catalog Number: SD 7308

Release: 1974

One of the few white bands to experience success in the funk and soul scene of the early and mid 70s, Average White Band created one of their biggest hits, and one of the most recognizable grooves in the funk scene, with "Pick Up the Pieces." Its rhythmic bassline and extremely catchy horn pattern made this a huge hit in the dance club. Although it contains very little lyrics, the music itself makes the listener feel good and want to dance. Average White Band, along with "Pick Up the Pieces," were very influential to the disco scene, as they themselves became part of it when it emerged.

To listen and watch live, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfAJLGFWxYo

Picture: http://image.maniadb.com/images/artist/117/117320.jpg

O'Jays- Love Train

Artist: O'Jays

Song: Love Train

Album: Back Stabbers

Record Company: CBS

Catalog Number: S 65257

Release: 1972

"Love Train" was incredible for the funk and soul scene in that it spoke of love and unity, while making you want to get up and dance as well. Perhaps the O'Jays biggest hit, this song became so popular on the dance floor that it even reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Although it had up-tempo dance beat with a great funk bassline, Eddie Levert's (lead singer) soulful, churchy vocals made you feel heartfelt at the same time.

To listen and watch a video clip, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvsAqkOhI48

Sources: Allmusic

http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=33:w9frxxwkldfe

Picture: http://www.joyfuljubilantlearning.com/.a/6a00d834515c4369e201116894d3b6970c-800wi

Teddy Pendergrass- Close the Door

Artist: Teddy Pendergrass

Song: Close the Door

Album: Life Is A Song Worth Singing

Record Company: Philadelphia International Records

Catalog Number: JZ 35095

Release: 1978

Another extremely soulful song, "Close the Door" continued with the idea of love and the powerful ways it makes you feel. This was a song that would tell your partner how happy you feel for you. Its slow paced, funky beat made it a popular slow song both in the clubs and alone with your partner. The idea of making love that is portrayed in the song also influenced the popular topic to be used in the countless disco songs which soon followed.

To listen and watch live, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54-9Jvq1Li4

Picture: http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000002TML.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

Lenny Williams- 'Cause I Love You

Artist: Lenny Williams

Song: 'Cause I Love You

Album: Rise Sleeping Beauty

Record Company: Motown

Catalog Number: M6-843S1

Release: 1975

Perhaps the most soulful song on this playlist, "Cause I Love You" embodied the power of love and the portrayal of love in the funk and soul scene. This was the type of song that would come on and one would immediately have to find a partner to dance with on the floor. The song is sung with such passion, and this allowed the listener to feel very joyful and fortunate if he/she was in a happy relationship. The melody is quite clever as well, so far as to be sampled by the likes of Kanye West.

To listen, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbzkwLWK-Ps

Picture: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZK-mI98Y3ABAXqdGVkfVHQOpFuSwiYEqge5qbjEM6GhGc3L8J8lEmkASEV8gL5_FL_OJgaiDPJ-3evRm6QdyaBC17K8x9KiElVHdWRQxCWBKEwD75hqCh-WUN2Ic4w0MoJE6Lgkty2nM/s320/004577.jpg

Sly and the Family Stone- I Want to Take You Higher

Artist: Sly and the Family Stone

Song: I Want to Take You Higher

Album: Stand!

Record Company: Epic

Catalog Number: XBN S-26456

Release: 1969

Although released in 1969, "I Want to Take You Higher" did not begin to get popular until the early 1970s when the funk and soul scene was really taking off. With this song, Sly and the Family Stone sent the simple message through the music that listening to this song will make you get a good feeling and will lift your spirits, a large part of the funk and soul tradition. The relentless rhythmic beat and blues harmonica in this song are why many say that Sly and the Family Stone set disco "blueprints."

To listen, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6i8h-5vLFo

Sources: Allmusic

http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=33:wjftxqehldse

Picture: http://www.dustygroove.com/images/products/s/slythefamil_stand~~~~_101b.jpg

Sly and the Family Stone- Hot Fun in the Summertime

Artist: Sly and the Family Stone

Song: Hot Fun in the Summertime

Album: Greatest Hits

Record Company: Epic

Catalog Number: PE 30325

Release: 1969

"Hot Fun in the Summertime" was a very early song included in the funk and soul scene, being released in 1969. However, its catchy horn-patterns and its portrayal of having fun in the summer gave the Urban youth in America something to be happy about it and enjoy, which is what this funk and soul scene aimed to do. The soulful sound to the song helped make it a hit on both the RnB chart and the Pop chart, and was a song enjoyed by and danced to by several; especially in the summertime!

To listen, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzLVnRXY0W8

Sources: Wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_Fun_in_the_Summertime

Picture: http://a7.vox.com/6a00b8ea0683a7dece00c2251c4be78fdb-500pi

Tower of Power- Down to the Nightclub

Artist: Tower of Power

Song: Down to the Nightclub

Album: Bump City

Record Company: Warner Bros. Records

Catalog Number: K 46167

release: 1972

Although this song was not "hit" on the charts, it perfectly illustrates what the funk and soul scene was about and why scenes such as the disco scene was influenced by this musical tradition. The funk and soul scene embodied having a good time and enjoying yourself at the club. With lines such as, "The joint be jumpin', the mamas be humpin', while the band be bumpin," it is no wonder why this song was popular on the dance floor, although it may not have been on the charts.

To listen and watch live, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSRjeSLCBLs

Sources: ST Lyrics

http://www.stlyrics.com/songs/t/towerofpower10994/downtothenightclub349774.html

Picture: http://bluestormmusic.com/store/images/towerpower_bumpcity.jpg

Tower of Power- What is Hip?

Artist: Tower of Power

Song: What is Hip?

Album: Tower of Power

Record Company: Warner Bros. Records

Catalog Number: BS 2681

Release: 1973

The extremely talented Tower of Power put out countless funk and soul songs in the 70s. However, none may have bigger in the clubs than "What is Hip?" With an extraordinary horn-driven rhythm throughout the song, it literally forced the listener to get up and dance just by the beat. Furthermore, the vocal ability of Lenny Williams showcased throughout the song really made this a popular song during the funk and soul scene. The complex horn pattern in the song is what many funk songs which followed, and disco songs which came later, strives for but rarely simulate.

To listen and watch live, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3t2g28y7_gM

Picture: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41AQP2WDAGL._SL500_AA240_.jpg

Curtis Mayfield- Superfly

Artist: Curtis Mayfield

Song: Superfly

Album: Super Fly

Record Company: Buddah Records

Catalog Number: 2318 065

Release: 1972

Curtis Mayfield was one of the few artists who could perfectly combine soul and funk into one song, and he did not do it any more perfect than in "Superfly." Although one of the few exceptions on the playlist that does not portray love and/or having fun and dancing, the funky bassline and his romantic-sounding voice still made it a hit in the clubs and on the charts. The bassline was so innovative that it has been sampled by such hip hop artists as Nelly and Notorious B.I.G., as well as influencing countless disco songs of the early 80s.

To listen and watch live, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrHezTLex2s

Sources: Allmusic

http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=33:kzfpxxtdldse

Wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superfly_(song)

Picture: http://adeli.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/curtismayfield-superfly2.jpg

Kool and the Gang- Jungle Boogie

Artist: Kool and the Gang

Song: Jungle Boogie

Album: Wild And Peaceful

Record Company: Polydor

Catalog Number: 2310 299

Release: 1973

"Jungle Boogie" was one of the earlier funk songs on the playlist and in the funk and soul scene, released in 1973. As it hit number two on the RnB charts, it became extremely popular in the clubs. The spontaneous and effortless groove the horn-heavy beat created made it perfect for the dance floor. It served as a model for future funk songs that followed, and its influence is still felt today, as it has been sampled by everyone from Janet Jackson to the Beastie Boys.

To listen and watch a live performance, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl7Bk364UdY

Sources: Allmusic

http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=33:0zfpxxl0ld6e

Wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jungle_Boogie

Picture: http://blog.tilos.hu/malestripshow/Wild%20And%20Peaceful.jpg

Earth, Wind, and Fire- Sing A Song

Artist: Earth, Wind, and Fire

Song: Sing A Song

Album: Sing A Song

Record Company: CBS

Catalog Number: CBS 3859

Release: 1975

This song's simple message of, "sing a song, and you'll feel better" embodied the feeling that the funk and soul scene is all about, which is having fun and experiencing happiness. The catchy horns and great bass line in the beat makes it very easy to dance to as well, which explains why it reached number five on Billboard's Hot Dance Club Play chart.

To listen, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBpsOu8jyU8

Sources: Allmusic

http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=33:hpftxqrdld0e

Picture: http://c.images.swapacd.com/200/drc600/c684/c68405er5kw.jpg

Earth, Wind, and Fire- September

Artist: Earth, Wind, and Fire

Song: September

Album: September

Record Company: American Recording Company (ARC)

Catalog Number: 3-10854

Release: 1977

"September" was one of the biggest funk and soul hits from one of the biggest funk and soul groups. It reached number one on the Hot RnB, and even number eight on the Billboard 100. It was one of the last major funk hits before the disco scene took over. With its extremely catchy, and well sung, chorus and nimble, strong groove, it made everyone want to dance. In fact, the song was so influential to the club scene and the disco scene, that a disco club in Hartford, Connecticut, which opened up later on during the disco scene, was named "September's" after the song.

To listen, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfLEc09tTjI

Sources: Allmusic

http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=33:wpftxqrdldse

Picture: http://asymptotia.com/wp-images/2006/11/earth-wind-&-fire-thats-the-way-of-the-world.jpg

Ohio Players- Fire

Artist: Ohio Players

Song: Fire

Album: Fire

Record Company: Mercury

Catalog Number: 6167 058

Released: 1974

"Fire" is the epitome of the funk and soul musical scene. The electric bass and horns provide an incredible rhythmic groove, and the song is all about having fun. It was also arguably one of the biggest hits of the funk and soul scene, not only hitting number one the Hot Soul Singles, but also number one on the Billboard Hot 100. It, like many other Ohio Players song before this one, incorporated "street sound," which made it extremely popular in the Urban dance clubs.

To listen the song, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KY1bZs8XJNQ

Sources: All Music

http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=33:acfrxqerldke

Picture: http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y93/chrisoliver/ohioplayers.jpg

The Musical Tradition, Musical Scene, and Criteria For My Funk and Soul Selections

The Funk and Soul scene of the early and mid 1970s created a powerful and unique musical tradition. It marked the beginning of the "club" scene, where millions of America's young adults, in particular in Urban environments, gathered to dance and forget their worries. The songs in this playlist made this possible, and are the most representative of what the soul and funk listeners of this time most demanded when at the club, listening to the the radio, etc... The funk songs were expressions of the happiness and joy the Urban youth searched for, for so long and the soul songs portray the power of love and how it affects an individual. Ultimately, these songs allowed listeners to escape the worries and problems that so many faced in the 1970s, and by doing so created a sense of relief and empowerment on the dance floor. Not only were the lyrics important in this musical scene, but instrumentation was tremendously important as well. The funk songs on this playlist all consist of extremely danceable music, as dancing was a large part of this scene. Furthermore, there is a strong, up-tempo rhythmic groove present in all the funk songs created mostly by the electric bass and the drums. The bass guitar and the bass lines were monumental in creating the funky music everyone could enjoy. Additionally, for the most part, the lyrics were catchy and easy to sing along too while on the dance floor in these funk songs. The soul songs on this list consist of clever melodies and great harmony. They still consist of a funky beat, just much more low-tempo. Lyrics were arguably more important in the soul songs, as they all speak of love, happiness, and enjoying one's self. These qualities created great songs to find a partner to dance with.









Mostly dominated by African Americans, this musical scene was an expression of the culture and tradition of letting loose on the dance floor and dancing the night away. The funk and soul scene was dominated in the urban environment. However, as the songs began to gain popularity on the pop charts, the "disco" scene was formed in the late 1970s and dance music was taken to another level, although many argue that this level was not particularly a good thing because the focus was money rather than having a good time. Because the "disco" scene was based entirely on dancing, with many of the songs including the subject of love, it can be concluded that songs such as these on the playlist significantly influenced disco. The songs on this playlist also stood the test of time, as they are still incredibly enjoyable to listen to, and therefore continue to be listened to today.

Sly & The Family Stone, Kool & The Gang, and Ohio Players

Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes and The Spinners

Ohio Players and The Isley Brothers

Albums With the Records Out

A Variety of Funk and Soul Oringinal Album Covers

The Playlist

1. Ohio Players- Fire
2. Earth, Wind, and Fire- September
3. Earth, Wind, and Fire- Sing A Song
4. Kool and the Gang- Jungle Boogie
5. Curtis Mayfield- Superfly
6. Tower of Power- What is Hip
7. Tower of Power- Down to the Nightclub
8. Sly and the Family Stone- Hot Fun in the Summertime
9. Sly and the Family Stone- I Want to Take You Higher
10. Lenny Williams- 'Cause I Love You
11. Teddy Pendergrass- Close the Door
12. O'Jays- Love Train
13. Average White Band- Pick Up the Pieces
14. Parliament- Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof Off the Sucker)
15. Commodores- Brick House
16. The Spinners- Rubberband Man
17. The Spinners- They Just Can't Stop It (Games People Play)
18. The Isley Brothers- Pop That thang
19. Frankie Beverly and Maze- Lady of Magic
20. Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes- Bad Luck
21. Ohio Players- Love Rollercoaster
22. Kool and the Gang- Hollywood Swinging
23. Earth, Wind, and Fire- Reasons
24. Tower of Power- Don't Change Horses
25. Rasputin's Stash- Mr. Cool

Overview

Music has always been a way for individuals and communities alike to express themselves and what is on their mind. Additionally, music served as a way for a community to enjoy themselves and have fun. Before the hip hop and club scene of today, the dance club scene of the 80s, and even the disco scene in the late 70s and early 80s, there was the funk and soul scene of the early and mid 70s. Before the disco scene, Funk and Soul artists such as Earth Wind and Fire, Kool and the Gang, and Sly and the Family Stone were first to introduce the idea of dance/night clubs through their music and make music solely for individuals, in particular the Urban youth, to dance to and and enjoy themselves at clubs. Furthermore, the Funk and Soul scene of the early and mid 70s directly influenced the disco scene which followed shortly after, and served a significant role in the popularity and existence of a "dance club." In fact, many of the artists which will be included in my playlist went on to be part of the disco scene which soon followed in the late 70s and early 80s. However, my focus is on the early and mid 70s funk and soul songs which came before and influenced the disco scene. While the uptempo funk songs served as the songs which made listeners have a good time and enjoy themselves, the soul songs served as the songs which expressed the feeling of love and happiness, and in which one would find a partner to dance with. However, both were of equal importance to the disco scene, as many disco songs, although mainly meant to dance to, would take on the subject of love and encourage dancing with a partner.