A seminal funk ensemble, the Fatback Band made many great singles through the ’70s and early ’80s, ranging from humorous novelty tunes to energetic dance vehicles and even occasional political/message tracks.
The original lineup featured drummer Bill Curtis, trumpeter George Williams, guitarist Johnny King, bassist Johnny Flippin, saxophonist Earl Shelton, and flutist George Adam. Synthesizer player Gerry Thomas, saxophonist Fred Demerey, and guitarist George Victory were integral parts of the group during their peak years.
They began recording for Perception in the early ’70s, and had moderate luck with “Street Dance” in 1973. They moved to Event in 1974, and while funk audiences loved such songs as “Wicki-Wacky” and “(Are You Ready) Do the Bus Stop,” they didn’t generate much sales action. Their first sizable hit was “Spanish Hustle” in 1976, which reached number 12 on the R&B charts. They shortened their name to Fatback in 1977, and landed their first Top Ten R&B hit with “I Like Girls” in 1978.
Their 1979 single “King Tim III (Personality Jock)” is widely considered the first rap single in many circles. But their biggest year was 1980. They scored two Top Ten R&B hits with “Gotta Get My Hands on Some (Money)” and “Backstrokin’,” their finest tune.
Fatback kept going through the mid-’80s, landing one more Top 20 hit with “Take It Any Way You Can Want It” in 1981. They were backed by the female vocal trio Wild Sugar in 1981-82, and Evelyn Thomas also provided the lead vocal for “Spread Love” in 1985, their last song for Spring. Fatback also recorded a pair of LPs for Cotillion in 1984 and 1985.
~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
Join your host, Tania-Maria Xavier and co-hosts Jay (JaySkills) Snowden, who is a music and executive producer, author of Angels With Broken Wings and Chuk Barber percussionist for The Original Lowriders AKA WAR and author of Dear Xango. We look forward to meeting the band and talking about their career, their new album “Bill Curtis & Friends” and future projects.
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Tags: bill curtis, chuk barber, disco, earl shelton, fatback, fred demerey, Funk, george adam, george victory, george williams, gerry thomas, house music, johnny flippin, johnny king
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