Funk / Soul

Funk is a musical genre that originated in African American communities in the mid-1960s when musicians created a rhythmic, danceable new form of music through a blend of soul, jazz, and rhythm and blues (R&B). It de-emphasizes melody and chord progression and focuses on a strong rhythmic groove of a bass line played by an electric bassist and a drum part played by a percussionist, often at slower tempos than other popular music. Soul music evolved from African-American gospel. Its basis was a spiritual hymn with rich harmony and rhythm. Most of the artists got their musical training in churches. Ray Charles, a pioneer of soul, stunned audiences in the 1950s with his gritty voice and delicate piano playing. Other pioneers include Sam Cooke, whose ballads greatly influenced future artists, and singer Otis Redding, who was known for his passionate delivery.