Last updated: 6 hours ago
A seminal funk ensemble, the Fatback Band made many great singles throughout 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 <a href="spotify:artist:1vEncRd5S3trGCSsEtKWWC">George Williams</a>, guitarist <a href="spotify:artist:5LzIjW2amM0t5HmJ5MSCnU">Johnny King</a>, 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 <a href="spotify:search:label%3A%22Event%22">Event</a> 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 1981-1982, and <a href="spotify:artist:2YLxwK8ceDNaG8RHhtkcQh">Evelyn Thomas</a> also provided the lead vocal for "Spread Love" in 1985, their last song for <a href="spotify:search:label%3A%22Spring%22">Spring</a>. Fatback also recorded a pair of LPs for <a href="spotify:search:label%3A%22Cotillion%22">Cotillion</a> in 1984 and 1985. ~ Ron Wynn, Rovi
Monthly Listeners
355,903
Monthly Listeners History
Track the evolution of monthly listeners over the last 28 days.
Followers
148,591
Followers History
Track the evolution of followers over the last 28 days.
Top Cities
31,359 listeners
10,814 listeners
5,183 listeners
4,130 listeners
3,763 listeners
Related Artists
Evelyn "Champagne" King
Mtume
The S.O.S Band
