“Bodyheat” by James Brown

In late 1976, legendary groove master James Brown laid down his lethal brand of funk on his scorching dance hit “Body Heat.” It quickly became the go-to cut for club DJs when they wanted to get booties shakin’ on the dance floor ASAP. The smokin’ groove showed that the Godfather’s funk was as potent as ever, and after two decades in the game, he showed no signs of slowing down. Sweet Charles Sherrell anchors the dynamic track with a fearsome bassline, and Melvin Parker takes care of business behind the kit, delivering massive doses of funk. Jimmy Nolen contributes some cold guitar licks, and the tight horn section elevates the groove through the roof with blazing horn lines. The track also boasts an absolutely killer bridge, and James infuses his vocals with deep, raw soul and fiery funk. Also, the fire engine sounds are a cool touch and fit well with the track’s heat theme.

“Bodyheat” was released as a two-part single on Polydor Records in December 1976. The song’s authorship is credited to James’s then-wife, Deidre, and daughters Deanna and Yamma Brown. It was widely reported that he did this to avoid tax problems in the wake of his ongoing troubles with the IRS. He produced and arranged the song, which peaked at #13 on Billboard’s R&B singles chart and #88 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was his last song to appear on the Billboard Hot 100 until the release of his global smash “Living In America” in 1985. “Bodyheat” also enjoyed solid chart action on the UK charts, peaking at #36. It’s the title track of James’s 44th studio album, released on December 1, 1976. A live performance of “Bodyheat” appears on his 1980 live double album Hot on the One and also on Live in New York (1981). The studio version of the song appears on the comprehensive four-CD box set album Star Time (1991) and the compilation album 20 All-Time Greatest Hits! (1991). An alternate mix of the studio version is included as a bonus track on the 1988 compilation Motherlode and its 2003 reissue with remastered sound. 

“Bodyheat” has been sampled on 23 songs and was featured on the soundtracks of the films Zombie High (1987) and Hudson Hawk (1991). 

The full band lineup on “Bodyheat” was Sweet Charles Sherrell (bass), Jimmy Nolen (guitar), Hollie Farris (trumpet), Melvin Parker (drums), St. Clair Pinckney (tenor saxophone), Mike Lawler (keyboards), Joe Poff Jr. (alto saxophone), Johnny Griggs (percussion), Peyton Johnson (tenor saxophone) and Russel Grimes (trumpet).

James performing "Bodyheat" live in 1979

Here's a dope dance montage of James doing his thang set to "Bodyheat."

"Bodyheat" is available at Amazon.