Back to Africa: Funk to Disco 1970’s

The Aftermath of Civil Rights  -after the race riots of the 60’s the demographic makeup of inner city America began to change.

 Whites moved out of the downtowns, which were destroyed, and moved to the suburbs

African americans take advantage of cheaper real estate, and move downtown

Urban America

-there were many successful results of the civil rights movement such as:  equal opportunities and treatment under the law in the American south,  affirmative action

Freedom and confidence to speak up for themselves

Such victories create a new sense of pride was enjoyed by the black community

turned early R&B into funk, concentrating on the groove of the music. His grooves are the most copied and sampled in R&B, Rap and Hip Hop Music James Brown

Sly and The Family Stone  Sylvester Stone was a radio DJ in San Francisco before getting his draft letter.  His radio skills made him a communications tech. on the battlefield.  Unfortunately, his platoon committed the Mai Lai Massacre, and he had to report it.  Returning to San Fran, he put together an inter-racial, and gendered, band and wrote music combining 60’s hippy music with heavy funk backbeats

Thankufaletinmebemyselfagin  This song tells the story  Lookin' at the devil, grinnin' at his gun Fingers start shakin', I begin to run Bullets start chasin', I beg him to stop We begin to wrestle I was on the top Want to thank you falettinme be mice elf agin I wanna thank you falettinme be mice elf agin Stiff all in the collar, fluffy in the face Chit chat chatter tryin �, Stuffy in the place Thank you for the party, But I could never stay Many thangs is on my mind, words in the way Dance to the music All nite long Everyday people Sing a simple song Mama's so happy Mama start to cry Papa still singin' You can make it if you try Flamin' eyes of peoples fear, burnin' into you Many men are missin' much, hatin' what they do Youth and truth are makin' love Dig it for a starter Dyin' young is hard to take Sellin' out is harder I want to thank you falettinme be mice elf agin Thank you falettinme be mice elf agin

Back to africa  renewed pride felt by african americans, encourages them to recognize their history  Funk music itself would focus on rhythm, much like traditional african music  James Brown’s famous dance move “the running man” was inspired by african dancing  Africa would receive attention in music, fashion, spirituality and sports

The Rumble in the Jungle Zaire 1974

A heavyweight championship fight between George Foreman and the recently released from prison(for refusing to fight in Vietnam) Mohammed Ali. Two black champions would return to the “motherland” for this huge event. It also turned into a musical event. Let’s Check out james Brown, live in Zaire!

Black History and Experience  Lyrics now celebrate black history as well as bring to light the current black experience.  Nobody does this better than,

Positive Messages Prevail Much of the music remains political, but brings a positive message toward forming new race relations.

Still some serious messages  Robert Nesta Marley  Jamaican musician  Jamaica was a country in political turmoil in the 1970’s. Two rival political parties were out to destroy each other, and even hired street gangs to help “influence” the vote.  Jamaica’s situation was common among former colonized countries all over the world.  Marley’s message would make him a hero to many worldwide

Redemption Song Old pirates, yes, they rob I; Sold I to the merchant ships, Minutes after they took I From the bottomless pit. But my hand was made strong By the hand of the Almighty. We forward in this generation Triumphantly. Won't you help to sing These songs of freedom? 'Cause all I ever have: Redemption songs, Redemption songs. --- Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery; None but ourselves can free our minds. Have no fear for atomic energy, 'Cause none of them can stop the time. How long shall they kill our prophets, While we stand aside and look? Ooh! Some say it's just a part of it: We've got to fulfill the Book. Won't you help to sing These songs of freedom? 'Cause all I ever have: Redemption songs, Redemption songs, Redemption songs.

 Marley’s music, influence, and personal effort would bring together Jamaica’s warring political parties, and bring new direction to his country.  This success would become a model for other countries with post- colonial difficulties to resolve them

Bob Marley

Getting back to the groove  With more focus on groove and less on melody and harmony, the music becomes more centred on “drum and bass”  A new technology also comes along

The invention of Disco Similar grooves could be mixed and mastered by a skilled Disc Jockey. One Disc Jockey could provide nonstop music all night long. Bands now used the “disco beat” to make sure they could fit nicely into a dj’s playlist. This was bad for Live bands!

The Bee Gees

Earth Wind And Fire