IMC FUNKY PICK OF THE DAY: Play That Funky Music, by Wild Cherry, 1976. “Play That Funky Music” (aka “Play That Funky Music, White Boy”) is a funky rock song written by Ohio native Robert Parissi and recorded by the hard rock band Wild Cherry. Yes, they were a hard rock band born in Ohio and played the region from 70-74. The song hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 on September 18, 1976. To say that this band was a one hit wonder, wouldnt be correct. They had recorded plenty. As you can imagine, hard rock wasnt the thing when Play That Funky Music hit in 76. It was all about Disco. The song was inspired by a black audience member who shouted, “Play some funky music, white boy” while they were playing at the 2001 Club. Lead singer Robert Parissi decided they should, and he wrote down the phrase on a bar order pad. They later recorded it in Cleveland with a Disco sound. Even though the band was cautious and concerned about the lyrics, Parissi insisted on keeping them. One thing about Parissi is that he was known for borrowing grooves, baselines, and sometimes vocal patterns to use on new tracks in order to create songs. But doesnt everyone to a point? Originally, Play that Funky Music was planned as a B-side of Wild Cherry’s cover of the Commodores’ “I Feel Sanctified;” but, when the decision makers at the record label heard the song, they suggested that the B-side become the A-side. The song sold over two million copies, but was Wild Cherry’s only hit. PTFM did great as it hit #1 on the Billboard R&B and pop charts. Wild Cherry was named Best Pop Group, and even received an American Music Award for Top R&B Single of the year while also being nominated for a pair of Grammy nominations. Vanilla Ice later released a cover of “Play That Funky Music”, as the B-side of his single “Ice Ice Baby”, which catapulted him to stardom. Vanilla Ice did not credit Parissi for the piece, leading to a lawsuit that ended in a large settlement for Parissi. Vanilla Ice’s version hit #4 in the US, and was his second and last hit song. And who played the amazing intro guitar riffs on Play That Funky Music? Credit goes to guitarist Bryan Bassett. Oh, and the bass line is pure funk too. So without further adieu, her is Play That Funky Music…just for fun. ec https://youtube/watch?v=qe1ScoePqVA
Posted on: Wed, 23 Jul 2014 15:53:32 +0000
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