Funkadelic - Good Thoughts, Bad Thoughts (1974)

I think back on the first time I heard this song... It damn near blew my mind. I have heard many Parliament Funkadelic songs but this one was different. Eddie Hazel was amazing on the guitar and when I heard the spoken word towards the end of the song, it struck a nerve with me. "Travel like a King"... I realized just how amazingly conscious these dudes are. Wow!.. I hope you love it as much as I do!

Stevie Wonder ~ I Wish (Funky Purrfection Version) (1976)

I love this Stevie Wonder song. It is one of the first song I ever heard from him as a youngster. This is a version that is a little different from the first one I heard but its jamming nonetheless. Check it out! Its Funky! The bass and drums are kickin! Jam on!

One Love,
T. Sayles-Bey

Curtis Mayfield - Do Do Wop

Parliament - Give up the Funk

This is the music I came up on. I love good old school funk!!!

The Brides of Funkenstein - Love Don't Come Easy

I found this song on a cassette tape that I had called George Clinton and the P- Funk All-Stars. This tape had a lot of good songs on it. I used to pop it in the tape deck and let it ride. Unfortunately that tape deck ate my tape. I made attempts to repair it with the old clear scotch tape technique and eventually threw it away. No need for the tape. These songs are embedded in my memory. I will post more songs from this album as I find them. Hope you enjoy this selection.

Eddie Hazel - California Dreamin'

 The first time I heard this song, It was sang by Bobby Womack. I stumbled upon this version when I started researching Eddie Hazel's music. This a song from the his solo album "Game, Dames and Guitar Thangs". I love this version of "California Dreamin'". Listen to that Guitar! I love it!

Ohio Players - Sweet Lil' Lady

Johnny "Guitar" Watson

Johnny "Guitar" Watson was born February 3, 1935 in Houston, Texas. His father was a pianist who taught his son how to play piano at a young age. Young Johnny was given a guitar at the age of 11. The guitar was given to him by his grandfather who told Johnny not to play the blues. The first first thing he played was the blues. He and his family moved to the L.A. area in the early 1950's where Johnny played in various bands as a sideman playing piano and guitar. One of his earliest recorded hit songs was a song named "Space Jam" which defined his style of play. The song utilized reverb and feedback guitar effects which were not common in that day and age. He acquired his nickname in 1954 after seeing the film Johnny Guitar. Before 1954 he was known as Young John Watson.
Throughout the 1960's he toured with the likes of Little Richard and Larry Williams. During the 1970's Johnny signed with a couple of labels and had many successful works. He was coined as a blues player but during the 70's he created his own style using his knowledge of blues and merging it with new found funk. He signed to a British label and released Ain't That a Bitch (1976) and A Real Mother For Ya (1977). He continued to make music all the way into the 1990's. He died of a heart attack while on tour in Japan in 1996. He was 61 years old.
Some of his most popular works are "Mercy Mercy Mercy" with Larry Williams and "Gangster of Love" which was covered by the Steve Miller Band. Some of my personal favorite songs are "Superman Lover", "Booty Ooty", and "I Want To Ta-Ta You Baby". Check him out.

Greenwood, Archer and Pine Streets Band

Started as the Greenwood, Archer and Pine Streets Band, brothers Charlie Wilson, Robert Wilson and Ronnie Wilson formed the Gap Band. The name was change due to it being so long. The original name came from the streets of North Tulsa, Ok where the brothers were born and raised. The brothers formed the group as teenagers and played many venues in Tulsa. They played country clubs, bars and anywhere else that their musical talents were needed.
The oldest brother Ronnie, started a band at the age of 14. His younger brother Charlie joined a rival band. The brothers joined forces when young Charlie was convinced to join his brother's band. Robert who is the youngest, joined his brothers after they lost their bass player. After touring the Tulsa area, Charlie became interested in California. Soon after his arrival he came in contact with Lonnie Simmons the late 70's. They recorded at his studio and performed at his night club. A single called "Shake" was their first to reach the Top 10 music chart. "I Don't Believe You Want to Get up and Dance(Oops Up Side Your Head)" reached number 4 in 1980. Their first number one hit was "Burn Rubber(Why You Want to Hurt Me)" They also did movie soundtracks for Penitentiary III and I'm Gonna Get You Sucker.
The brothers are still actively recording. Ronnie is a pastor and has performed in the stage play Mama, I'm Sorry. Charlie Wilson has been recording vocals for Hip Hop artists like Snoop Dogg and T-Pain. He has been consistently making good music. Check him out. We all love Uncle Charlie!!! Greenwood, Archer and Pine!!! Great Stuff!!!

Cameo

Cameo is a funk band from the 70's and 80's era. The group was formed in 1974 and was originally named the New York City Players. The group changed its named to Cameo around 1977 after a label signing.
The lead vocalist/ songwriter is Larry Blackmon. Other members included Tomi Jenkins and Nathan Leftenant. Their debut album was called Cardiac Arrest. Some of my favorite songs are in my playlist. If you like some of the music, I suggest you purchase Casablanca's 1993 compilation The Best of Cameo.

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