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Funk 1970's- Early 1980's

Research Questions: When did Funk become Important?

When did funk become a genre?

Who where key artists in the early Development of Funk?

What types of Instruments were mainly used in "Funk" music?

Quick History on the Origin of Funk
Funk became really popular in the 1970's. It was made by African American artists. During the earlier years of Funk the songs usually had slow relaxed rhythms, but as it developed it started to stand out more. This genre of music was created in the late 1960's. Funk is a mixture of soul, jazz, and R&B. Today it is common for hip-hop/ R & B artists to add different parts (samples) from funk songs. Funk is a music genre that was originally created by African Americans. Some of the key elements that make funk easy to identify is the use of strong bass, syncopation, elements of jazz. Some of the main instruments used in Funk music are the Bass, guitar, electric guitar, drums, saxophone, and the trumpet. Funk did not become a specific genre until musical artists like James Brown started releasing songs that showed how truly distinct Funk was. Funk influenced disco, house music, and go-go. One of the most successful band of the early funk era was EWF(Earth, Wind, and Fire). The band was created in 1969 by a man named Maurice White. They are one of the successful bands of all time. Another group of successful funk artists were George Clinton and Parliament.

media type="file" key="let27sgrooveearthwindandfire-154127402131010.mp3" width="240" height="20" This song was made by Earth, Wind, and Fire. It was made in: 1981. This is one of the songs that they produced after they started to move towards a "Pop" style. Like this song, a lot of funk songs are about dancing and being able to enjoy yourself.media type="file" key="YouTube- parliament - give up the funk.mp4" width="300" height="300"

One thing that is noticeable about some of the Funk artists is how they dressed. Some of them dressed the way that people other people dressed during the seventies. Some Funk artists decided to become really creative not only in their music but also in the way that they dressed on stage. Most artists of the time could be seen wearing colorful clothing. You can see how the artists on the stage are dressed with make up, head wear, platform shoes, and glasses/goggles. In the video there is also a man performing on stage while wearing a diaper.

George Clinton and Parliament had formed a sort of new type of Funk. It became known as P-Funk. The use of the word "funk" in some songs was controversial. Funk had several meanings It could be an action or a thing. "Give us the Funk" is a phrase that was used by Parliament and it is also the title to one of their songs. Another phrase that was used by some funk bands and musicians was "Funk it up". This was considered by some to be a sexual phrase. Something that plays an important part in the style of funk is the level os syncopation. The Funk of the 1970's was greatly affected by both psychedelic and jazz elements. Funk was a great part of Disco, many of the disco artists and songs made were originally from the Funk genre. In the 1950's and 1960's the use of the word "Funk" was frowned upon. This is because by some the "funk" had ties to sexual intercourse. media type="file" key="YouTube- The Commodores - Brick House.mp4" width="300" height="300" This Song Is called Brick House. It was released in 1977 by The Commodores. This song is describing a woman. This was a highly popular song in the late seventies. When it came out it was highly popular and placed number five on the top one hundred billboard tracks. It also placed at number four in the top one hundred R & B songs.

Bibliography: "Brickhouse - The Commodores Song Lyrics, Chart History, Artist Information." //Oracleband.net//. info@OracleBand.net, n.d. Web. 1 Jun 2010. .

"Earth Wind & Fire." ///www.audio-music.info//. audio-music dot info, n.d. Web. 21 May 2010. .

"Funk." //www.lyricsvault.net//. Lyrics Vault, n.d. Web. 21 May 2010. .