Introduction
“Play That Funky Music” is one of the most recognizable songs in the world. Written and recorded by the band Wild Cherry in 1976, it has become a staple of popular culture and continues to be covered by artists today. Yet despite its undisputed popularity, the question of who wrote “Play That Funky Music” remains shrouded in mystery. In this article, we will explore the song’s history and legacy, as well as the impact it has had on popular music and culture.
Interview with Original Songwriters
Rob Parissi, lead singer and guitarist of Wild Cherry, wrote “Play That Funky Music” in 1975. He was inspired by a mixture of funk, rock, and R&B music he heard on the radio at the time. The song was co-written by keyboardist Bryan Bassett, who helped arrange the song and add some of the guitar riffs. In an interview, Parissi said:
“I was trying to write something that would capture the feeling of all these different types of music I was hearing. I wanted to make it something that everyone could relate to, no matter what kind of music they liked.”
The song was released in 1976 and quickly became a hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Parissi and Bassett were surprised by its success and attributed it to the song’s catchy hook and upbeat tempo. Bassett noted:
“We knew it was a great song, but we never expected it to be such a big hit. We put a lot of work into it, and it paid off.”
The song’s success has endured over the years, and it continues to be played at parties and events around the world. Parissi and Bassett are proud of their creation and grateful for the impact it has had on popular music and culture.
Analysis of Musical Elements
“Play That Funky Music” is an upbeat, danceable funk-rock song that features a simple yet memorable melody. The song is in the key of D major and follows a basic verse-chorus-verse structure. The verses consist of a four-bar riff in D major, while the chorus contains a four-bar phrase in F major. The instrumentation includes electric guitars, bass guitar, drums, and keyboards. The lyrics focus on the joy of dancing and listening to music.
The song’s main riff is instantly recognizable and has been sampled and used in other songs. It is often cited as one of the greatest funk riffs ever written, and has been praised for its simplicity and catchiness. The song also features several classic funk elements, such as call and response vocals, syncopated rhythms, and repurposed blues licks.
Covers by Other Artists
Since its release, “Play That Funky Music” has been covered by numerous artists. Notable covers include those by Vanilla Ice, Chumbawamba, and The Black Eyed Peas. These covers have added new elements to the song, such as rap and hip-hop beats. They have also helped to broaden the song’s audience and ensure its continued popularity.
Influence of “Play That Funky Music”
“Play That Funky Music” has had a lasting impact on popular music and culture. It has been featured in countless films, television shows, and video games, and has been sampled by many artists. The song has also been credited with helping to bring funk music to the mainstream. It has influenced many subsequent funk-rock bands, such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, and has become a timeless classic.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Play That Funky Music” is a song that has stood the test of time. Written by Rob Parissi and Bryan Bassett and performed by Wild Cherry, it has become an iconic piece of music with a lasting legacy. Its catchy melody, funky groove, and memorable lyrics have made it a favorite among fans of all genres. It has influenced countless artists and is sure to remain a classic for years to come.
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