5 on Friday -- Set 209

Spinning Friday tunes since 2010...

For anyone who wants to join in, simply choose five pieces of music and post them for other bloggers to enjoy. Then check out the set posted by the other 5 on Friday blogger -- you can sign in over at Golch Central's Rambling Stuff.

It's February, and time for my newest feature for 5 on Friday -- The Hit Makers.

Once a month I'm going to feature the songs that launched careers. I'll be looking at different musical styles and the groups or singers from those styles who I love the best.

This month, let's get our groove on with funk. 

  

1 - I Got You (I Feel Good) -- James Brown -- 1965

James Brown is credited with actually starting the new genre of funk with this tune.

2 - Everyday People -- Sly and the Family Stone -- 1968

This group is much funkier than this song. Yet it was their big-selling hit which brought them to the greatest public attention. 

3 - I Can't Get Next to You -- The Temptations -- 1969

Although The Temptations were already a success in the rhythm-and-blues and soul categories, this song launched them as funk artists with a change in line-up and a new producer.

4 - Move On Up -- Curtis Mayfield -- 1971

An innovative Renaissance man, Mayfield was a soundtrack composer (Super Fly,) a multi-instrumentalist and a civil rights activist. 

5 - Shining Star -- Earth, Wind and Fire -- 1974

This song is the funkiest song in the set, as by 1974 the public appetite for true funk had warmed to a song like Shining Star.