Fatback Band

Fatback Band, led by founder Bill Curtis, released ‘King Tim III (Personality Jock)’ in 1979, a track widely recognized as the first commercially released hip-hop single, preceding ‘Rapper’s Delight’ by the Sugarhill Gang. Established in 1970, the band quickly garnered attention for their distinct ‘street funk’ sound, a fusion of New Orleans ‘fatback’ jazz beats with funk music. The original lineup featured Bill Curtis on drums, 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. In 1972, Fatback Band signed with Perception Records, achieving their first hit that same year with ‘Street Dance,’ which reached the top 30 on the US Billboard R&B chart.

Fatback continues to tour actively, engaging fans worldwide with their iconic sound. With new music currently planned for release, the band is poised to extend their half-century legacy, further cementing their status as pioneers in funk, disco, and hip-hop.