Back in Time Today
The 1970s paved the way for a flurry of musical creativity, especially among Black artists who broke barriers and defined genres. Yet, many of these artists remain hidden from the limelight, their contributions underappreciated despite being pivotal. This post explores 23 such bands whose music resonated with soul, funk, and rock, laying groundwork for future generations. These bands, each unique in sound and story, deserve recognition for their groundbreaking work and cultural influence. Join us as we journey through the history, influence, and legacy of these unsung heroes of the 70s music scene.
1. Black Merda – The First Black Psychedelic Rock Band
Known as the “Black Hendrix,” Black Merda pioneered a unique sound by blending blues, rock, and funk—ahead of their time before artists like Prince. This group’s music was as colorful as their name, creating riffs that echoed through the era. Despite their innovative approach, the band struggled for airplay on predominantly white rock radio stations. The very label that could have propelled them, Motown, lacked the vision to market a Black rock band. Historical oversight left their tracks buried in vinyl collections, echoing the question of what might have been.
2. Mandrill – The Afro-Latino Funk Revolutionaries
Mandrill’s dynamic fusion of salsa, jazz, and funk made them standouts in the 70s music scene. Their high-energy performances and intricate compositions garnered respect from peers but eluded mainstream success. Known for their eclectic sound that often outshone Earth, Wind & Fire in musicianship, they crafted albums that became cult classics. Radio’s struggle to categorize them meant they rarely hit the charts, leaving them as a hidden gem treasured by those who ventured beyond the norm.
3. The Chambers Brothers – Psychedelic Gospel Innovators
The Chambers Brothers broke new ground with their hit “Time Has Come Today,” a track that melded rock, gospel, and psychedelia into a timeless anthem. Their ability to traverse musical landscapes made them pioneers, but also left them in a niche that traditional audiences didn’t fully embrace. Gospel fans were unnerved by their rock influences, while rock audiences hesitated at their gospel roots. Despite this, their music remains a powerful testament to their innovative spirit and boundary-pushing talents.
4. Baby Huey & The Babysitters – The Band That Inspired Hip-Hop
Baby Huey & The Babysitters crafted untouchable grooves that would later echo in hip-hop through sampling by A Tribe Called Quest and The Notorious B.I.G. Despite their profound influence, tragedy struck when the charismatic Baby Huey passed away at just 26. His legacy lives on in the singular album released posthumously, a treasure trove of tracks that hint at what could have been a prolific career. This band’s blend of soul and psychedelia left an indelible mark on music history.
5. The Meters – The Unsung Kings of Funk
The Meters carved a niche as the backbone of countless hits, backing artists like Dr. John and Paul McCartney. Despite this, they struggled to attain solo fame. As session musicians, they were the heartbeat of tracks that topped charts, yet their names remained obscure. Record labels often typecast them as mere players in the background, not the stars they were destined to be. Their tight-knit grooves and rhythm-heavy tracks are a testament to their lasting influence on funk music.
6. Crown Heights Affair – Disco’s Best-Kept Secret
Crown Heights Affair dazzled the disco era with their infectious beats and catchy hooks. Their 1974 hit “Dreaming a Dream” has been sampled by modern artists like 50 Cent, underscoring their lasting impact. Despite their talent, they were overshadowed by giants like Chic and The Bee Gees. While they may not have dominated the charts, their music was a staple for disco enthusiasts and remains a favorite for those who appreciate the genre’s golden age.
7. Brainstorm – The Funk Band Too Wild for Radio
Brainstorm exploded onto the scene with their 1977 album “Stormin’,” an exuberant celebration of funk’s raw energy. Their music, characterized by inventive rhythms and spirited vocals, was too edgy for mainstream radio, which often favored more polished tracks. Despite this, their work resonated with fans who craved authenticity and grit. Today, “Stormin’” is hailed as a masterpiece by those who ventured beyond the airwaves to discover its hidden treasures.
8. The Jones Girls – The Supremes of the 70s You Never Heard Of
The Jones Girls, backing vocalists for Diana Ross, carved their path with hits that showcased their vocal prowess. Their harmonies, reminiscent of The Supremes, earned them a place in the hearts of soul fans. Despite their talent, they were eclipsed by The Three Degrees and Sister Sledge, whose chart-topping hits overshadowed their work. The Jones Girls remain an essential listen for those who appreciate the depth and nuance of 70s soul music.
9. Black Ivory – The Soul Group That Should’ve Been Huge
Black Ivory’s smooth ballads like “You and I” rivaled those of The Stylistics, yet they never achieved comparable fame. Despite their vocal talent and heartfelt performances, mismanagement and label disputes hindered their career. Their music resonated with emotional depth and sincerity, capturing the hearts of a dedicated fanbase. Although they never reached the heights they deserved, their legacy lives on through their timeless tracks cherished by soul aficionados.
10. The Dynamic Superiors – Glam-Soul Pioneers
Fronted by an openly gay Black man, The Dynamic Superiors challenged societal norms in the 70s with their glam-soul fusion. Their music, a blend of exuberant melodies and bold themes, was ahead of its time. Unfortunately, radio stations shied away from their work, and Motown marginalized their albums. Despite these obstacles, their progressive stance and catchy tunes left an indelible mark, paving the way for future artists to express themselves freely.
11. B.T. Express – The Funk Band That Invented Sampling
B.T. Express revolutionized funk with their hit “Do It (‘Til You’re Satisfied),” a track that laid the groundwork for sampling in hip-hop. Their music, brimming with infectious energy, became a staple in dance clubs. Despite their pioneering sound, internal conflicts and label issues stifled their potential. Yet, their legacy persists as their grooves continue to inspire and energize listeners, standing as a testament to their innovative spirit and lasting influence.
12. New Birth – The 30-Person Funk Orchestra
With its immense lineup, New Birth created a sound that was as expansive as their roster. Their live performances, a mix of soul, rock, and gospel, captivated audiences but proved difficult to sustain. The logistical challenges and splintering of members into other groups led to their decline. Yet, their music remains a testament to their ambition and creativity, with tracks that continue to resonate with fans who appreciate grand, orchestral funk.
13. The Blackbyrds – Jazz-Funk Geniuses
Created by jazz legend Donald Byrd, The Blackbyrds infused jazz with funk to create a sound both innovative and accessible. Their track “Rock Creek Park” became a staple in hip-hop, sampled by countless artists. Despite their brilliance, jazz purists often ignored them, while funk fans didn’t fully embrace their jazz roots. Nonetheless, their legacy endures as a fusion of genres that continues to inspire musicians and fans alike.
14. Brick – The Band That Invented “Funk-Jazz”
Brick’s 1976 hit “Dazz” combined jazz, funk, and disco into a seamless hybrid that was as innovative as it was infectious. Their music was difficult to categorize, leaving radio stations unsure of where to place them. Despite this challenge, their creativity shone through, and they left a lasting imprint on the music landscape. Fans of genre-blending tracks continue to celebrate Brick for their pioneering contributions to music.
15. Fatback Band – The True Kings of Street Funk
The Fatback Band pushed the boundaries of funk by intertwining it with rapping, pre-dating hip-hop itself. Their music, a raw and rhythmic exploration of urban life, resonated with street culture but struggled for mainstream acclaim. Despite their groundbreaking work, they never achieved the crossover success of peers like Kool & The Gang. Nevertheless, their influence on the development of funk and hip-hop is undeniable, celebrated by enthusiasts of both genres.
16. Death – The Black Punk Band That Predated Punk
Playing proto-punk in an era defined by disco and glam, Death was years ahead of The Ramones and other punk icons. Their aggressive sound and raw energy broke from the norm, though no label would sign a Black punk band in the 70s. Despite this, their music laid the groundwork for what punk would become, earning posthumous recognition as pioneers among fans who discovered their powerful, unorthodox tracks decades later.
17. Shuggie Otis – The Psychedelic Soul Prodigy
A prodigious talent, Shuggie Otis crafted a psychedelic soul sound that was uniquely his own. His song “Strawberry Letter 23” gained fame through its cover by The Brothers Johnson. Despite his immense potential, Shuggie chose to step away from the spotlight at his peak, leaving fans to wonder about the paths he could have taken. His work remains a treasured discovery for those who seek out the hidden gems of music history.
18. Mother’s Finest – The Funk-Metal Pioneers
Before Prince or Living Colour, Mother’s Finest dared to mix hard rock with funk, creating an electrifying sound. Their music, a daring fusion of genres, perplexed radio stations unsure of how to categorize them. Despite the challenge, their innovation carved a niche for them in music history. Fans of genre-defying tracks continue to celebrate their legacy, marked by powerful performances and groundbreaking sounds that challenged musical boundaries.
19. The Sylvers – The Family Band That Outshone The Jacksons
The Sylvers captured the disco-funk boom with hits like “Boogie Fever,” outshining many of their contemporaries. Their energetic performances and catchy tunes made them favorites among fans of the era. Yet, they couldn’t escape the towering shadow of the Jackson 5. Despite this, their music continues to be celebrated by those who remember the vibrant energy and infectious rhythms they brought to the dance floor.
20. Brass Construction – The Funk Band That Never Got Paid
Brass Construction brought anthems like “Movin’” to life with their robust brass sections and vibrant stage presence. Despite their popularity, financial mismanagement left them without due compensation for their work. Their music, however, endures as a testament to their talent and influence, cherished by fans who recognize the vitality and soul they injected into every performance. Their legacy is a reminder of the challenges artists face beyond the spotlight.
21. The Undisputed Truth – Motown’s Weirdest, Trippiest Band
The Undisputed Truth pushed the boundaries of Motown with their psychedelic soundscapes and eccentric style. Their music was a bold departure from the label’s typical output, offering a trippy alternative that intrigued listeners. Despite their experimental approach, mainstream success often eluded them. Nonetheless, their work stands out for its daring creativity and remains a fascinating chapter in the history of Motown, celebrated by those who seek the unconventional.
22. The Jimmy Castor Bunch – Funk so Funky it Hurt
The Jimmy Castor Bunch injected humor and flamboyance into their funk, creating music that was as entertaining as it was groovy. Their tracks, filled with catchy hooks and comedic flair, captured the essence of funk’s joyful spirit. Despite their lively performances, they never reached the commercial heights their talent warranted. Their legacy, however, stands as a testament to the fun and funk they delivered with every performance.
23. Cymande – British Funk that Inspired De La Soul and The Fugees
Cymande, a British band with Caribbean roots, crafted a blend of funk and reggae that broke new ground. Their music, rich with layered rhythms, found a second life through sampling by artists like De La Soul and The Fugees. Despite their innovative sound, they never captured the widespread attention they deserved. Rediscovered by hip-hop producers, Cymande’s legacy is celebrated by fans of both classic funk and modern beats.