Funk (Music)

Rock historian Ed Ward remembers the Detroit label Westbound Records, which recorded early funk, disco and gospel in the 1970s.

Fresh Air rock critic Ken Tucker reviews Boo!, the new album from the band Was (Not Was). It's the band's first full-length disc since 1993.

Musician William "Bootsy" Collins — Bootsy Collins got his start with James Brown, defining what Rolling Stone called "the finger-popping funk bass style." Collins went on to work with George Clinton as part of the Parliment-Funkadelic tribe, then formed Bootsy's Rubber Band. He's put out more than 30 albums; his latest is Christmas Is 4 Ever. This interview originally aired on Oct. 10, 1994.

He got his start with James Brown, where he "defined the finger-popping funk bass style" (Rolling Stone). He went on to work with George Clinton as part of the Parliment-Funkadelic tribe, before forming Bootsy's Rubber Band. On stage, he created alter egos, including Bootzilla, Boot-Tron, and King of the Geepies. He's put out more than 30 albums. This interview first aired October 10, 1994.

Musician Bootsy Collins got his start with James Brown, where he "defined the finger-popping funk bass style" (Rolling Stone). He went on to work with George Clinton as part of the Parliment-Funkadelic tribe, before forming Bootsy's Rubber Band. On stage, he created alter egos, including Bootzilla, Boot-Tron, and King of the Geepies. He's put out more than 30 albums. (REBROADCAST from 10/10/94)

Musician Maceo Parker is best known as the saxophonist who played with James Brown. His on again off again association with Brown began in 1964. He's got several albums of his own, as well as collaborations with others. Parker is currently on tour. (Rebroadcast from 10/2/90)

Music critic Milo Miles reviews Ocho's album "The Best of Ocho."

Music critic Milo Miles reviews the new CD "Funk Power," a collection of recordings by James Brown and the J.B.'s during the heydey of his 1970s funk period.

That's the title of an episode of Steve Rowland's documentary series "The Music Makers" featuring funk innovator George Clinton. We play this excerpt.

Maceo Parker is best known as the saxophonist who played with James Brown. His on again off again association with Brown began in 1964. Parker's latest album is "Roots Revisited;" It's soft jazz and funky soul. (On the Verve label). (REBROADCAST. Originally aired 10/2/90).