Fatback Band

The Fatback Band was established in New York City in 1970 by drummer Bill Curtis, who sought to fuse the New Orleans “fatback” jazz beat with funk music. The initial lineup included Johnny King on guitar, Johnny Flippin on bass, George Williams on trumpet, Earl Shelton on saxophone, George Adams on flute, and Gerry Thomas on keyboards. The band quickly became known for their distinct “street funk” sound. In 1972, they signed with Perception Records and achieved their first hit with “Street Dance,” which reached the top 30 on the US Billboard R&B chart.

Throughout the mid-1970s, Fatback Band evolved their sound, incorporating jazz and disco elements. This period saw the release of popular singles such as “Keep On Steppin’,” “Yum, Yum (Give Me Some),” and “(Are You Ready) Do the Bus Stop.” Their track “(Do The) Spanish Hustle” nearly reached the R&B top ten in 1976. In 1977, the band shortened its name to Fatback and achieved their first top ten single with “I Like Girls” in 1978. Their 1979 single, “King Tim III (Personality Jock),” is widely regarded as the first commercially released hip-hop single, preceding “Rapper’s Delight” by the Sugarhill Gang. The 1980s continued to bring success with hits like “Gotta Get My Hands on Some (Money)” and “Backstrokin’,” alongside notable UK chart success, including “I Found Lovin’.”

Despite challenges with record labels and a temporary hiatus in the 1990s when Bill Curtis cared for his mother, the band reformed in 2002. They have since performed at major festivals such as Glastonbury and Love Supreme, continuing to draw a dedicated audience, particularly in the UK. Their work has been sampled by various artists, including Kendrick Lamar and Björk, underscoring their lasting impact on music. Bill Curtis remains the band’s leader, and they continue to tour, with new music planned for release.