Instead of emphasizing chord changes and melody, funk accentuated heavily syncopated beats and rhythmic and repetitive bass lines.

The foundations of funk were laid down in the mid-1960s, when James Brown began to emphasize the first beat of each measure in his stage-tested and frenzy-inducing R&B songs. Before the decade’s end, ...

“Superstition” by Wonder is one of the greatest funk songs ever. Released in 1972, it has an unforgettable groove, catchy rhythm, and energetic vibe. The funky clavinet riff is instantly recognizable.

There was no shortage of groundbreaking funk and soul classics in the 1970s. But in 1977, several tracks reflected dance music’s ongoing evolution. Using a combination of old and new production ...

If there was a Mount Funkmore for the greatest funk bassists, Marcus Miller’s face and trademark porkpie hat would be sculpted into that musical monument. Miller honed his musical chops during funk’s ...

Filmmaker Stanley Nelson Jr. had just premiered his 2019 “Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool” at the Sundance Film Festival when, as he was out on the dance floor, the topic of his next film came up. “We ...

Bowling Green State University celebrates an American original musical genre with the Funk Music in Popular Culture Conference April 25-26, 2025. A two-day event packed with guest speakers and a ...