“Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On” by Edwin Starr

Renowned singer-songwriter Edwin Starr expresses his love for funk music on the explosive 1971 single “Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On.” This release was very timely, as funk really came into its own in the 1970s, becoming an integral part of popular music and laying the foundation for genres such as disco, hip-hop, go-go, and electronic dance music, among many others. In the mid-1960s, funk innovator James Brown ignited the spark that would become a full-blown conflagration by the time the ‘70s rolled around. 

This exhilarating groove anthem celebrates funk as a powerful and liberating mode of expression. Starr sings about how funk resonates with him on a spiritual and physical level, moving both his soul and body. He infuses his soul-stirring vocal performance with fire and conviction. Legendary Motown session band, the Funk Brothers, keep the funk at maximum level with their supertight playing. The track features an earth-shaking beat, furious bass, nasty rhythm guitar licks, and soulful piano. And it also boasts a mighty chorus and some wicked harmonica. 

“Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On” was written by the famed songwriting/production team of Barrett Strong and Norman Whitfield. It was released on Gordy Records, a primary subsidiary of Motown, in 1971. It peaked at #6 on Billboard’s R&B singles chart and #64 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was included on Starr's fifth studio album Involved (1971), which was produced by Whitfield.

The track was sampled on two Public Enemy songs, “You Can’t Truss It” (1991) and “War at 33⅓” (1990).” And musician and hip-hop emcee Justin Warfield sampled it on his 1993 song “K Sera Sera.” It has been covered by prominent music acts such as the Temptations and Patti LaBelle.

“Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On” was featured in an episode of the acclaimed Emmy-winning medical procedural drama The Pitt (season 1, episode 1, originally aired January 9, 2025, on HBO Max). It was also featured on the soundtracks of the films Nobody (2021) and Day Shift (2022).

Starr enjoyed a highly successful recording career during the 1960s and '70s, landing several hits on the R&B and pop charts, including “Twenty-Five Miles” and "Agent Double-O-Soul." He is best known for his iconic rendition of the blistering anti-war protest anthem “War,” released in June 1970. He was posthumously inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2013 and the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame in 2017. His recording of “War” earned him a Grammy nomination in 1971 for Best R&B Male Vocal Performance, and the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.

"Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On" is available at Amazon.

“The Smurf” by Tyrone Brunson

Bassist, singer, songwriter, and producer Tyrone Brunson landed his biggest hit with the seminal electro-funk track “The Smurf,” released in late 1982. This electrifying instrumental had a significant impact on funk, hip-hop, and electronic music. It’s widely recognized for bridging traditional funk with emerging electronic sounds of the 1980s, such as LinnDrums and synthesizers. The track was pivotal in the evolution of electro-funk, which defined the sound of early ‘80s hip-hop, as well as laying the groundwork for other dance music genres, such as techno, house, and go-go. 

The synth-heavy groove has a funky, mechanized feel with percolating drum-machine beats and powerful synth stabs. Brunson brings his formidable bass skills to the mix with some supertight thumpin’ and pluckin’, significantly heightening the song's groove factor. It became a defining track of that period's street dance culture and a favorite among breakdancers and pop lockers, evolving into a full-fledged hip-hop anthem. Club DJs began spinning it regularly, and it even found its way across the pond into UK clubs.

“The Smurf” was named after a dance craze that was blowing up in NYC clubs in the early 1980s. Brunson’s hit further popularized the dance, causing it to quickly spread across the U.S. and abroad. The dance got its name from its resemblance to the arm movements of the little blue Smurf characters from the famous Belgian comic and cartoon series. 

“The Smurf” was written by singer, guitarist, and songwriter Otis Redding III, son of soul legend Otis Redding. It was the lead single from Brunson's debut album Sticky Situation (1983). The song peaked at #14 on Billboard’s R&B singles chart and #35 on Billboard’s Dance Club chart. And it rose to #52 on the UK singles chart, remaining on the chart for five weeks. Brunson produced Sticky Situation, and Russell Timmons Jr. is listed as the album’s executive producer.

“The Smurf” has been sampled on 24 songs, including 2 Live Crew’s 1989 track “Dirty Nursery Rhymes.” And it’s featured on the soundtrack of the highly popular 2002 action-adventure video game “Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.”

Here’s the full personnel for “The Smurf”: Tyrone Brunson (bass), Louis Oxley (synthesizer), and Bashiri Johnson (percussion).

Here's a cool clip from the 1984 film Beat Street set to "The Smurf." (The actual song played in the film sequence was "Beat Street Strut" by Juicy.) 

 

"The Smurf" is available at Amazon

Related blog entry:

"Fresh" (Scratch Mix) by Tyrone Brunson

Review of Black Ice’s album I Judge The Funk

In the mid-1970s, Hadley Murrell, a veteran DJ and producer, established HDM Records, a Los Angeles-based imprint specializing in soul, R&B, and disco music. Amherst Records initially distributed HDM before the label switched to TK Productions. Under HDM, Murrell assembled a roster of talented songwriters and performers. One of HDM’s most notable acts was Black Ice, a five-member LA-bred R&B/soul outfit. The vocal quintet released two albums on the label: Black Ice (1977) and I Judge The Funk (1979). They released their third and final album, Black Ice (1982), on Montage Records. Murrell produced all three of Black Ice's albums.

Singer Cleveland Jones formed Black Ice in the 1960s with his friends, brothers Ronald and Donald Haynes, in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles. The group was originally called the Soul Sonics. (Murrell had the group change their name to Black Ice after they signed to HDM Records in 1976.) They modeled themselves after legendary vocal groups like the Temptations, who were known for their rich, soulful harmonies and smooth, synchronized choreography. When Ronald and Donald went off to college, Cleveland held numerous auditions to recruit new group members. This resulted in Antone Curtis, Frank Willis, Gerald Bell, and Ralph Lars joining the group. This was the group lineup for their first and second album.

Black Ice’s second album, I Judge The Funk, is an impressive collection of funk, disco, and R&B tracks. Murrell brought in some of the best session musicians available to play on the album, and Ray Jackson handled all the song arrangements. An album highlight is the infectious title track. The funky feel-good groove features a bumpin’ bass line, wicked synths, soulful vocals, and a smooth piano riff. Another standout track is “Play More Latin Music,” a fantastic high-energy fusion of soul, Latin, and funk designed to heat up any dance floor. And it boasts a marvelous vocal arrangement that’s flawlessly performed by the group. The collection also features great mellow jams, such as the soothing and sumptuous “Postcard Love Affair.” The track is exquisitely arranged, and the vocals are silky smooth. Another powerful track from the collection is the majestic “You’re Always On My Mind,” which features a sensational falsetto-laced lead vocal performance. “My Fantasy” is a captivating disco cut, boasting an elegant string arrangement, tight horns, and superb bass work. The track also features a dynamic beat that’s accentuated by hot congas, and the vocals are top-flight. “Push” is a lively, irresistible groove that has a kickin’ bass line, dope guitar licks, and a cool horn arrangement. The group mellows things out again for the mesmerizing ballad "Fantasize," which features incredible vocals.

Dwight Emile, Eddie Horan, and Hadley Murrell wrote seven of the album's eight tracks. All five Black Ice members, along with the album’s assistant engineer Ronald Bell, wrote “Fantasize.”

I Judge The Funk failed to crack Billboard’s album charts, and none of its singles charted. However, it’s considered a great work in funk and soul music circles. The collection showcases the group's inspired blend of funk, Philly soul, Latin, disco, and R&B, and it has been a go-to source for many music acts that followed. And it’s also highly regarded among fans of the golden era of soul and R&B music of the 1960s and '70s.

Acclaimed R&B artist Ari Lennox sampled “Postcard Love Affair” for her 2018 single “Pedigree,” and modern funk band Calumet recorded a great cover of “I Judge The Funk” in 2021. 

To learn more about this super-talented but sorely underappreciated group, check out the 2022 documentary Behind The Groove: The Black Ice Documentary, currently streaming on Tubi. It provides a comprehensive and absorbing exploration of Black Ice and its history.

I Judge The Funk is available at Amazon

“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 a 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 in the UK, 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.

Related blog entry:

"It's Too Funky In Here" by James Brown

“Witch Doctor” by Instant Funk

New Jersey-born R&B/funk band Instant Funk released this electrifying dance track in 1979. It boasts tremendous groove power and heaps of funk. The song is about a funky witch doctor who casts a potent spell that compels people to hit the dance floor and furiously work their backsides. The band delivers the funk with both barrels on this cut. Raymond Earl lays down a ruthless bass line, and the tight horn section fires up the funk with some powerful brass volleys. Music duo, the John Brothers, further elevates the groove quotient with their dynamic, soul-stirring vocals. 

“Witch Doctor” was written and produced by acclaimed singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Bunny Sigler. It’s the title track of Instant Funk’s third album, released in 1979 on Salsoul Records. The song had a solid performance on Billboard’s R&B singles chart, peaking at #35. This groove gem doesn’t get much play these days. It’s such a great track that it deserves much more love than it’s been receiving.

Here’s the full personnel for the Witch Doctor album: Raymond Earl (bass), Scotty Wilson (drums), Dennis Richardson (piano), Charles Williams (congas), Jimmy Sigler (organ), guitar (George Bell, Kim Miller), saxophone (Bob Malach, Louis Del Gatto, Robin Eubanks), trombone (Tom Malone, Willie Williams), trumpet (Larry Davis, Michael Ray, Randy Brecker), lead vocals (James Carmichael, the John Brothers), backing vocals (Bunny Sigler, Instant Funk, the John Brothers).

“Instant Funk” was formed in Trenton, New Jersey, in 1971. The band is best known for its funky dance smash “I Got My Mind Made Up (You Can Get It Girl),” released in late 1978. The song spent three non-consecutive weeks atop Billboard’s R&B singles chart. It also topped Billboard’s dance chart and reached #20 on the Billboard Hot 100. It's widely considered a disco-funk classic and is the band’s signature song.

"Witch Doctor" is available at Amazon

Related blog entry:

"I Got My Mind Made Up (You Can Get It Girl)" by Instant Funk

“Taurus” by Dennis Coffey

Dennis Coffey, acclaimed guitarist for Motown’s legendary house band the Funk Brothers, dropped this thrilling funk-rock instrumental in 1972. It was the follow-up to his gold-certified smash “Scorpio,” released the previous year. “Taurus” is a rousing, high-adrenaline groove that features some fantastic guitar work from Coffey. He gets strong support from fellow Funk Brothers Bob Babbitt and Andrew Smith. Babbitt serves up some wicked funk on bass, and Smith keeps the groove cookin’ with his ferocious drumming. And James Barnes tears it up on the congas. The track boasts a killer arrangement that’s impeccably performed by all of the talented players.

“Taurus,” written by Coffey, was a single from his third album, Goin’ For Myself, released on Sussex Records in 1972. It peaked at #18 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #11 on Billboard’s R&B singles chart. The album, produced by Mike Theodore, had a respectable showing on Billboard’s R&B Album chart, reaching #37.

The United States Air Force Academy Band, the Falconaires, recorded a great cover of “Taurus” in 1972, and the Peruvian garage rock band Los Comandos also covered it that same year.

Here’s the full personnel for the Goin’ For Myself album: guitar (Dennis Coffey), bass (Bob Babbitt, Tony Newton), drums (Andrew Smith), percussion (James Barnes, Jack Ashford), keyboards (Eric Morgeson), horns, string (Alvin Score, Barbara Fickett, Beatrix Staples, Carl Raetz, David Ireland, Felix Resnick, Fred Boldt, Haim Shtrum, Jacl Boesen, LeRoy Fenstermacher, Mario DoFiore, Parker Groat, Richard Margitza, Bob Cowart, Virginia Halfman, Wally Gomulka), backing vocals (Emanuel Johnson, Joyce Vincent, Pam Vincent, Rothwell Wilson, Telma Hopkins, Tyrone Brown).

"Taurus" is available at Amazon

Related blog entry:

"Scorpio" by Dennis Coffey and The Detroit Guitar Band

“Express” by B.T. Express

“Express” was the third single from Brooklyn groove outfit B.T. Express’s gold-certified debut album Do It (‘Til You’re Satisfied). Released in late 1974, the smokin’ instrumental was quickly embraced by funk lovers and clubgoers. The tight groove pulsates with energy, excitement, and funk. It features a magnificent horn arrangement, soaring strings, and a powerful bass line. And it showcases the flawless musicianship of the talented B.T. Express players. The track sonically takes the listener on a funky train ride, with the cool train whistle sounds enhancing the groove. And the smooth flute part is the finishing touch to this amazing track. 

“Express” was written collectively by the B.T. Express members, and it was produced by Jeff Lane and Doc Productions. It topped both Billboard’s R&B singles chart and Billboard’s Dance Club Songs chart. It remained atop the Dance Club Songs chart for five consecutive weeks. The track peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100. It reached #3 on the Canadian charts and rose to #34 in the UK and Germany. It sold a million copies in the U.S. and was certified Gold by the RIAA. And it sold 75,000 copies in Canada. Also, it earned the band a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Instrumental Performance at the 18th Annual Grammy Awards in 1975. 

“Express” has been sampled on 17 songs and was featured on an episode of the critically acclaimed psychological crime thriller TV series Mindhunter (season 1, episode 10, 2017).  

Here’s the full B.T. Express personnel on the Do It (Til You’re Satisfied) album: Richard Thompson (guitar, vocals), Carlos Ward (alto sax, flute, piccolo, woodwind), Terrell Wood (drums), Barbara Joyce Lomas (vocals), Dennis Rowe (percussion), Bill Risbrook (tenor saxophone, flute, vocals), Jamal Rasool (bass) and Kashif, born Michael Jones, (keyboads, vocals). Producer/songwriter/arranger/keyboardist Randy Muller was responsible for all of the album’s string arrangements.

B.T. Express performing "Express" on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert in 1975

Do It (‘Til You’re Satisfied) album is available at Amazon

Related blog entries:

B.T. Express Kept Dance Floors Packed With Smash "Do It ('Til You're Satisfied)"

"Give Up The Funk (Let's Dance)" By B.T. Express