| "Play That Funky Music" was a funk rock disco song recorded by the rock band Wild Cherry and written by lead vocalist and guitarist Robert Parissi. The song hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 on September 18, 1976 and was also number one on the Hot Soul Singles chart. The single was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America for shipments of over two million records. The autobiographical song was inspired by the times, and the song's unforgettable title and chorus came from drummer Ron Beitle's observation during a break between sets at the 2001 Club in Pittsburgh. The group was mostly a hard rock outfit, but the disco era was really gaining steam and many of the group's loyal followers were asking for more dance songs. While taking a break between sets, Ron uttered the now-classic line, "Play some funky music, white boy". Lead singer Robert Parissi decided they should, and wrote down the phrase on a bar order pad. They later recorded it in Cleveland with a disco sound. The song sold over two million copies, but was Wild Cherry's only hit. "Play That Funky Music" was listed at #73 on Billboard's Greatest Songs of All Time. Thischannel is dedicated to all the great 'old school' R&B music I grew up with, the stuff that originally made me tap my feet and want to be a DJ. Funk, soul, disco, R&B, dance, hip-hop, pop . . . 60s, 70s, 80s . . . whatever you call it, it's all 'Old School' and it's all here! See my videos featuring the Roots of ... |
