Pop soul candies with stone experts at kissin’, super duper lovers and sad chickens.
We kick off our mix with Allen Toussaint, the legendary producer known for his innovative work with The Meters when they first recorded under their own name in 1969. Toussaint’s transformative sound not only shaped the funk genre but also propelled hits for artists like Labelle, including the iconic “Lady Marmalade.” A sparkling gem in our collection is El Chicano’s 1973 classic “Tell Her She’s Lovely,” a breathtaking track that captured the U.S. charts. Maurice Love’s 1972 masterpiece “Soulful Proclamation” by Messenger Inc. adds a layer of deep emotional resonance to our mix.
No funk anthology is complete without the extraordinary Chocolate Milk. Formed in 1974 by saxophonist Amadee Castenell Jr. in Memphis, Tennessee, the band soon became the house ensemble for the legendary Allen Toussaint in New Orleans. Their debut album, “Action Speaks Louder Than Words,” released on RCA, is a compelling fusion of funky grooves and powerful political messages—a true musical treasure.
Timmy Thomas‘ groundbreaking 1972 album “People Are Changin'” stands as a milestone as the first soul record to be entirely recorded with a drum machine. Thomas garnered acclaim as a versatile accompanist for jazz luminaries like Donald Byrd and Cannonball Adderley before making waves as a session musician in Memphis and releasing unforgettable singles on Goldwax Records.
The riveting track “Super Duper Love (Are You Diggin’ on Me)” by Willie “Sugar Billy” Garner, released in 1975, showcases the soul and passion of this underrated artist. If you have additional insights into this remarkable talent, we’d be thrilled to learn more. Additionally, Sam Dees mesmerizes with his 1975 hit “Claim Jumpin’,” highlighting his exceptional prowess as both a bandleader and vocalist. Dees, whose songwriting credits include Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin, George Benson, and The Temptations, is a true funk visionary.
The timeless “Piece of My Heart,” originally recorded by Erma Franklin in 1967, achieved greater mainstream success when Big Brother and the Holding Company featuring Janis Joplin covered it in 1968. This evocative romantic funk/soul anthem continues to resonate deeply with audiences.
Leroy Jones led The Drivers, a Cincinnati-based soul and R&B revue, through the vibrant nightclub scenes of Ohio and Kentucky during the ’60s. Despite their disbandment in 1970, Jones’s contribution with “The Sad Chicken,” recorded in 1967, remains a powerful funk relic, sealing a booking contract with Shaw Attractions in Chicago.
Nolan Porter, who released just two albums, graces our mix with the hauntingly beautiful “If I Could Only Be Sure.” Despite his career being cut short when his label collapsed in late 1973, Porter’s work continues to captivate. We also feature Barry White‘s debut studio album “I’ve Got So Much to Give,” which established him as the quintessential “loverman” with its opulent and indulgent production.
Initially a B-side, King Floyd‘s “Groove Me” surged in popularity thanks to New Orleans DJs and became a national sensation, topping the R&B chart and climbing to #6 on the Billboard Hot 100. Finally, Analog Son, a dynamic funk band formed by Colorado-based musicians Jordan Linit and Josh Fairman, offers a glimpse into the future with their electrifying track “No Way.”
The Playlist
- Last Train – Allen Toussaint
- Tell Her She’s Lovely – El Chicano
- Soulful Proclamation – Messengers Inc
- Action Speaks Louder Than Words – Chocolate Milk
- People Are Changin’ – Timmy Thomas
- Spooky – Dusty Springfield
- Lonely Town, Lonely Street – Bill Withers
- Super Duper Love (Parts 1&2) – Sugar Billy
- Piece of My Heart – Erma Franklin
- Claim Jumpin’ – Sam Dees
- Right Now Right Now – Al Green
- The Sad Chicken – Leroy & The Drivers
- Sweetback – Ivan “Boogaloo Joe” Jones
- Genevieve – Cymande
- If I Could Only Be Sure – Nolan Porter
- I’m Gonna Love You Just A Little More Baby – Barry White
- Groove Me – King Floyd
- That Lady, Pts. 1 & 2 – The Isley Brothers
- No Way – Analog Son
Pop soul candies with stone experts at kissin’, super duper lovers and sad chickens. by Funkologie on Mixcloud
Related Links
The Show must go on by Sam Dees
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