Funk music originated from Africa-American communities. In the mid-1960s, funk music tracks started making their way through the airwaves. The funk genre rose from parent genres such as rhythm & blues, brown-eyed soul, breakbeat, soul music, guitar mashing and Florida breaks. Funk music is danceable and comes from a combination of R&B and jazz. Funk music has derived its form from hip-hop, disco, boogie, dance-punk and electro-pop. The African-American genre uses instruments such as bass guitar, electric guitar, drum machine, piano and the Hammond organ.
History of Funk Music
The expressions used in funk music have their roots in Sub-Saharan African traditional music. Borrowed elements include spirituals, praise shouts, work chants, ring shouts, clapping and gospel. In its early years, funk music was known to express daily struggles and hardships faced by lower working-class groups. Over the years, funk music has attracted a considerable fan base due to its entertaining nature. It has overcome challenges and significantly grown. Funk music bands in the early times include Sly and the Family Stone which existed from 1966 to 2006 and Parliament which made music from 1955 to 1980.
Funk Music Subgenres
Funk music has resulted in the rise of various subgenres. It is the parent genre to deep funk, go-go and p-funk. Deep funk music is known to be soulful, and as the name suggests, it has a deeper sound. The go-go genre was initiated in Washington, DC. Bands that received credit for developing go-go music include Black Heat, Chuck Brown and the Young Senators.
Funk Music Artists
Over the years, funk music has seen the rise of artists who make the music with a lot of specialities. Some of the greatest funk artists of all time include George Clinton, James Brown, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. James Brown is regarded as the father of funk music. He was making music from 1953 up to 2006.