Biography
Known for its foundational role in funk, the Fatback Band issued numerous memorable singles across the 1970s and into the early 1980s. These tracks spanned lighthearted novelty numbers, high-energy dance numbers, and occasional pieces carrying social or political messages. The group’s first roster included 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 became essential contributors during the ensemble’s most successful period. Early recordings appeared on Perception in the first years of the decade, yielding modest results with the 1973 release “Street Dance.” After switching to Event in 1974, the band earned strong support among funk listeners for tracks such as “Wicki-Wacky” and “(Are You Ready) Do the Bus Stop,” yet commercial sales remained limited. A breakthrough arrived with “Spanish Hustle” in 1976, which climbed to number 12 on the R&B charts. The name was shortened to Fatback in 1977, and “I Like Girls” became the act’s initial Top Ten R&B entry the following year. Many observers regard the 1979 single “King Tim III (Personality Jock)” as the earliest rap record. The year 1980 proved most fruitful, delivering two further Top Ten R&B successes in “Gotta Get My Hands on Some (Money)” and “Backstrokin’,” widely viewed as the group’s strongest recording. Activity continued through the middle of the decade, producing one additional Top 20 R&B placement with “Take It Any Way You Can Want It” in 1981. During 1981–1982 the female vocal trio Wild Sugar supplied backing, while Evelyn Thomas sang lead on the 1985 Spring release “Spread Love,” the band’s final single for that label. Two albums also appeared on Cotillion in 1984 and 1985.
Albums
