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An impromptu jam session led to this instrumental classic.

Originally recorded by the Top Notes, the Isley Brothers' version became a hit.

The elation of being in love

Brown's innovative funk rhythm, marking a shift in his musical style.

Inspired by a dance called "The Jerk."

Written by Holland-Dozier-Holland about enduring love

Considered one of the first funk songs

Booker T. & the M.G.'s combined their own instrumental records with work as the house band at Stax in Memphis. Booker T. Jones' organ and Steve Cropper's guitar were central to a rhythm section that included Al...

The overwhelming power of physical attraction

A funky instrumental celebrating soul music

The song was created at the request of Epic Records for a more commercial sound.

James Brown was an American singer, songwriter and bandleader whose work helped shape soul and funk. He began recording with the Famous Flames in the 1950s, then developed a rhythm-centered style in which bass,...

An anthem of Black pride and empowerment.

An instrumental track with a distinctive Caribbean flavor.

Charles Wright and the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band developed in Los Angeles around Wright's singing and guitar. Its personnel included musicians such as James Gadson and Melvin Dunlap. Records including Do Your...

A call for unity and acceptance of diversity

Booker T. & the M.G.'s combined their own instrumental records with work as the house band at Stax in Memphis. Booker T. Jones' organ and Steve Cropper's guitar were central to a rhythm section that included Al...

Celebrating the carefree spirit of summer

An anthem of self-expression and independence

A funky dance track showcasing Brown's evolving musical style

Instrumental funk track showcasing the band's tight groove

A call for social activism and standing up for one's beliefs

Instrumental track showcasing the band's tight, soulful sound

A soulful plea for love and affection

This funky instrumental showcased Kool & the Gang's early sound before their later disco success.

This funk classic became the band's signature song and has been widely sampled in hip-hop.

This soulful track preceded the band's more famous hit "Express Yourself."

This funk-influenced track represented The Temptations' venture into psychedelic soul.

This psychedelic funk song marked the collaboration between former Animals frontman Eric Burdon and the band War.

This funk classic showcased Sly Stone's innovative use of slap bass and wah-wah guitar.

This funk song, with its distinctive electric piano sound, became the band's last number-one hit.

This funk song from the Bahamas became an international hit in 1971.

This cover of The Rolling Stones' song became a hit for Grand Funk Railroad.

This funk and soul track became a hit in early 1971, establishing Floyd as a notable figure in New Orleans R&B.

This soul ballad helped establish Hot Chocolate as a notable act in the UK.

This funk and soul hit became Jean Knight's signature song and a feminist anthem.

This funk and Latin-influenced song showcased War's unique sound.

This iconic instrumental theme from the film "Shaft" won Hayes an Academy Award for Best Original Song.

This funk and soul hit established The Dramatics as a force in R&B music.

The complexities of family relationships

A new dance craze

Latin and funk music fusion

The Isley Brothers began as a gospel-based family vocal group near Cincinnati before Shout brought wider recognition in 1959. Their sound expanded through soul, rock, R&B and funk. The 1973 album 3+3 marked the...

An instrumental inspired by astrology

The dangers of drug addiction

Criticism of empty political rhetoric

Another astrologically-themed instrumental

A humorous take on prehistoric life

Ohio Players became closely associated with 1970s funk and R&B. Their Mercury recording period included Skin Tight, Fire and Honey, while songs such as Funky Worm, Love Rollercoaster and Who'd She Coo? established a...

From the album "Deliver the Word" Features the band's signature blend of funk, rock, and Latin music

One of the band's last major hits Features Sly Stone's distinctive vocals and a funky bassline

Funk and dance music trends

Theme song from the film of the same name Known for its socially conscious lyrics and funk sound

Features a distinctive guitar riff played by Ernie Isley Helped establish the Isley Brothers as a funk powerhouse

Inspired by the fictional character from TV and radio Features a Latin-influenced funk sound

War developed in Southern California through work with producer Jerry Goldstein and singer Eric Burdon. Harmonica, saxophone, keyboards and hand percussion joined its rhythm section as the band explored several...

Latin and funk fusion celebrating life

Dance and funk music trends

Funk and disco trends of the early 1970s

Glamour and excitement of Hollywood lifestyle

Funk and dance music trends

War developed in Southern California through work with producer Jerry Goldstein and singer Eric Burdon. Harmonica, saxophone, keyboards and hand percussion joined its rhythm section as the band explored several...

An instrumental funk track inspired by James Brown's horn section.

Funk and soul trends of the era

Funk-influenced song written by Stevie Wonder

Cover of Little Eva's 1962 hit

Theme song for the TV show "Soul Train"

A funk-infused track showcasing Wonder's musical versatility.

A funk track with a catchy horn riff, celebrating good times.

B.T. Express grew out of Brooklyn's funk scene and the King Davis House Rockers, with producer Jeff Lane helping shape the group. Their name shortened Brooklyn Trucking Express. The album Do It ('Til You're...

An instrumental funk track inspired by the popular catchphrase from the TV show "Good Times."

A somber song about a woman who commits suicide.

A funk track encouraging listeners to express themselves freely.

A funk anthem addressing social and political issues of the time.

A funk track with a provocative album cover that sparked controversy.

A funk track with a catchy, repetitive chorus.

A funk track expressing a desire for personal freedom.

An upbeat funk song encouraging listeners to make the most of life.

An instrumental funk track inspired by James Brown's horn section.

A funk song about relaxing and taking it easy.

An instrumental disco track with a seductive groove.

Written as a message of self-empowerment and believing in oneself.

A funk song celebrating the hard work and dignity of a shoeshine boy.

A funk track with suggestive lyrics and a catchy groove.

A funk song about the inexplicable nature of attraction and love.

The title track from their album, offering a message of hope and perseverance.

A jazz-funk fusion track with an uplifting message.

A plea for unity and harmony in a divided world.

You Got the Love opens Rufus' 1974 album Rags to Rufus and credits Chaka Khan and Ray Parker Jr. as its writers. The album was produced by Bob Monaco and Rufus. Issued as a single alongside the album's other major...

A medley of classic songs with a disco twist

A combination of disco and jazz music styles

The desire to escape from daily life and find freedom.

Parliament developed from George Clinton's earlier vocal group the Parliaments and became one of the recording identities of the larger P-Funk collective. Osmium appeared in 1970. Through the following decade,...

A promise of devotion and care in a relationship.

L.T.D. took its name from Love, Togetherness and Devotion, developing as an American ensemble whose sound connected funk with R&B. Its arrangements combined a substantial horn section with keyboards and rhythm...

The ups and downs of romantic relationships.

A request from audience members for the rock band to play funky music.

Earth, Wind & Fire developed a sound that brings funk, soul and jazz into richly arranged popular songs. Maurice White's musical direction emphasized vocal harmonies, prominent horns and rhythms that could support...

The Bar-Kays developed in Memphis as young musicians influenced by the Mar-Keys and Booker T. & the MG's. They became both a recording act and a studio band for Stax, with Soul Finger establishing their own identity....

The uplifting power of music and positive thinking.

The carefree and enjoyable nature of the summer season.

The beauty and tenderness of romantic love.

The sweet nature of a loving relationship.

Ohio Players became closely associated with 1970s funk and R&B. Their Mercury recording period included Skin Tight, Fire and Honey, while songs such as Funky Worm, Love Rollercoaster and Who'd She Coo? established a...

The attraction and desire felt towards a romantic partner.

The joy of rekindling a relationship

An appreciation for a strong, confident woman

A medley of classic songs with a disco twist

A combination of disco and jazz music styles

The end of a relationship and moving on

The concept of kundalini energy in yoga

A dance move popular in the funk scene

A love letter written on strawberry-scented paper

The joy of rekindling a relationship

George Clinton was inspired by the idea of funk music as a guiding light.

The song was inspired by the concept of kundalini energy in yoga philosophy.

The song was inspired by the desire to prolong a perfect moment with a loved one.

Lionel Richie wrote this song as a tribute to his wife and grandmother.

The song was inspired by James' experiences in relationships and his funk music style.

The aftermath of a failed relationship

The escapism and joy of disco dancing

Hot Chocolate built a British soul sound that also drew on rock and disco. Singer Errol Brown and bassist Tony Wilson were central to its beginnings, including an early recording of Give Peace a Chance for Apple...

Prince was a singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist whose work connected funk, rock, soul, pop and jazz. His 1978 debut, For You, introduced a largely self-contained studio approach, while later...

Celebration of women's empowerment

Instrumental piece inspired by disco and funk trends

Moving on after a failed relationship

Earth, Wind & Fire developed a sound that brings funk, soul and jazz into richly arranged popular songs. Maurice White's musical direction emphasized vocal harmonies, prominent horns and rhythms that could support...

The Commodores developed from musicians studying at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. Their recordings joined tightly played funk with melodic ballads, giving space to several songwriters and contrasting lead voices....

A funk song about genuine love and attraction.

John Deacon's foray into funk and disco influences.

A feel-good song meant to bring people together in joy.

A passionate plea to keep a relationship alive.

Prince was a singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist whose work connected funk, rock, soul, pop and jazz. His 1978 debut, For You, introduced a largely self-contained studio approach, while later...

A celebration of women's nights out and empowerment.

A funk-influenced song about commitment in a relationship.

A funk-pop song about attraction and love.

Written by Rod Temperton, encouraging people to enjoy life and have fun.

An instrumental track inspired by disco and funk trends.

Written by Rod Temperton, aiming to create a smooth, romantic dance track.

Written about moving on from a failed relationship.

A poignant ballad about lost love, written by Tom Bahler.

The Commodores developed from musicians studying at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. Their recordings joined tightly played funk with melodic ballads, giving space to several songwriters and contrasting lead voices....

A funk song encouraging people to dance and have fun.

A funk song about taking things slow in a relationship.

A funk song celebrating attractive people on the dance floor.

Inspired by the funk and disco music of the era, particularly Chic's "Good Times."

A funk hit with a distinctive car-themed sound.

This feel-good anthem was inspired by the band's desire to create a universal party song.

A funk and R&B hit that topped the R&B charts.

A funk song that popularized a style of slang called "Gibberish."

I Love You More appears on Rene & Angela's 1981 Capitol album Wall to Wall. Its recording credits name Rene Moore and Angela Winbush as both composers and producers, with Bobby Watson also producing. The track...

The Commodores developed from musicians studying at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. Their recordings joined tightly played funk with melodic ballads, giving space to several songwriters and contrasting lead voices....

A funk and disco hit that revitalized the band's career.

Although recorded in 1975, this ballad was released as a single in 1981.

A funk and new wave dance hit with suggestive lyrics.

1999 opens Prince's 1982 album of the same name. The Prince Estate situates its party imagery against early-1980s anxiety about nuclear conflict. Synthesizers and drum machines anchor the album's sound, while...

A funky dance track celebrating skilled dancers.

An upbeat dance song encouraging people to enjoy themselves.

A funk song encouraging people to dance and have a good time.

Written as an upbeat dance song to bring people together on the dance floor.

Written by Lionel Richie about the pain of lost love.

A provocative song exploring themes of desire and intimacy.

A romantic offer of unconditional love.

A playful duet about two men competing for a woman's affection.

Using warfare as a metaphor for the impact of love.

1999 opens Prince's 1982 album of the same name. The Prince Estate situates its party imagery against early-1980s anxiety about nuclear conflict. Synthesizers and drum machines anchor the album's sound, while...

Featured a guitar solo by Eddie Van Halen and aimed to blend rock and R&B.

Jackson described Billie Jean as a composite of women whose claims he had encountered around his brothers while the Jackson 5 toured. The song dramatizes a disputed paternity claim. Other biographical accounts...

A funk track from the former drummer of Slave, launching his solo career.

A funk-influenced dance track that showcased the group's evolving sound.

The second single from Prince's "1999" album, continuing his rise to superstardom.

Earth, Wind & Fire developed a sound that brings funk, soul and jazz into richly arranged popular songs. Maurice White's musical direction emphasized vocal harmonies, prominent horns and rhythms that could support...

Toto keyboardist Steve Porcaro's official biography identifies him as the songwriter behind Human Nature and explains that he had not intended to submit it to Michael Jackson. Producer Quincy Jones heard the song...

Little Red Corvette was already on Prince's 1982 album 1999 before its later single campaign. The Prince Estate describes it as an important crossover between his funk, rock and pop audiences. MusicAtlas separately...

The second collaboration between the two pop icons.

The first single from "Thriller," featuring two of the biggest stars in music.

The debut single from Prince's protégé, showcasing her percussion skills.

Originally written for his sister La Toya, Jackson kept it for "Thriller."

The song was inspired by the disco and funk sounds that made the band famous in the 1970s.

Originally written by Prince in 1979, the song was reimagined by Chaka Khan with a more upbeat, funk-inspired arrangement.

This electro-funk song celebrates the joy of music and dancing.

The song was inspired by a real woman named Joanna who caught the eye of the band's lead singer.

Written for the film "Purple Rain," the song was inspired by Prince's spiritual beliefs and the idea of living life to the fullest.

The second collaboration between the two pop icons.

The collaboration was inspired by the desire to create a high-energy rock-funk fusion.

Written by Prince, the song was inspired by the allure and pitfalls of a life of luxury and fame.

The song was inspired by Jackson's love for horror movies and desire to create a fun, scary song.

The song was inspired by the anticipation and excitement of a romantic evening.

When Doves Cry is part of Prince's 1984 Purple Rain album and the film-centered release that brought his music to a much wider audience. The Prince Estate places the song's video within that breakthrough. This...

The importance of cherishing loved ones and relationships.

A celebration of feeling energized and renewed.

Produced by Rick James, the song features suggestive lyrics and a catchy funk groove.

Written and produced by Prince, the song featured in the film "Purple Rain."

A funk-pop track about being deceived in a relationship.

Tribute to late R&B singers Marvin Gaye and Jackie Wilson.

The band's admiration for Prince and his music style.

Murphy's foray into music, produced by Rick James.

A commentary on the pressures and illusions of fame and success.

Prince drew from his own teenage experiences for this playful, psychedelic-influenced song.

A supergroup featuring members of Duran Duran and Chic, creating a unique rock-funk sound.

Co-written with Prince, this funk track explores unconventional love.

Prince was a singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist whose work connected funk, rock, soul, pop and jazz. His 1978 debut, For You, introduced a largely self-contained studio approach, while later...

Written for "Rocky IV," this patriotic song celebrates American life and culture.

This song uses mountains as a metaphor for overcoming life's challenges.

Eddie Murphy's foray into music was produced by Rick James and reflected the party culture of the 1980s.

The song's catchphrase was inspired by street slang of the time.

Toughness and street credibility

Undying love and devotion

A funkier cover of Bill Withers' 1972 hit about friendship and support

Physical and emotional intimacy