The Origins Of Funk Trivia Quiz

Answer: Funky Butt

Known in music circles as King Bolden, Buddy, a native of New Orleans, is considered one of the founders of jazz. Dr. John, Duke Ellington and several others have paid tribute to him and several fictional characters have been based loosely upon on his life. He died in 1931 at the age of 54 just as jazz was coming into prominence.

Answer: James Brown

Although Morton's music contained a whisper of what funk would become, James Brown is given credit for founding the genre. Although he named himself "The Godfather Of Soul", a more accurate nickname might be "The Godfather Of Funk". Stone would step in a few years later and Clinton would introduce a new sub-genre in the 70s known as P-Funk.

Answer: "Out Of Sight" by James Brown

Although the other three songs were big hits, they came along much later than James Brown's masterwork from 1964. Both Tom Browne's and Beginning Of The End's songs are notable in that they ushered in the funk beat combined with reggae.

Answer: All of them did

As hard as it may seem to consider any of these three funk artists, all three used the new funk beats created by Brown at some point in their careers. The Yardbirds were the first with their release "Happenings Ten Years Time Ago". Hendrix followed a few years later with "Little Miss Lover" as did Bowie with his hit "Fame".

Answer: Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)

Although he amassed forty-one Top 40 pop hits and numerous chart-topping R&B tunes, James Brown never recorded a pop number one. It took Sly And The Family Stone to garner funk's first pop number one. "It's Your Thing" did come close, stalling at number two on the pop chart and hitting the top of the R&B chart.

Answer: The Meters

Although mostly forgotten now, The Meters scored several big R&B funk hits including "Sophisticated Sissy" and "Sissy Strut". All the other groups were based elsewhere.

Answer: False

Although the vast majority of music historians give Brown credit for inventing the funk genre, Brown actually gave credit to Little Richard.

Answer: Ernie Isley

Isley was the guitarist of The Isley Brothers. Bootsie Collins, known as much for his flamboyant costumes and glittery star-shaped shades as his musical prowess, has played with many diverse bands from James Brown to The Talking Heads. Larry Graham, known for his smooth vocals and his band Graham Central Station was also the bassist for Sly & The Family Stone.

Although Jamerson's name is not instantly recognizable to many, he is one of the most versatile and well-travelled bassists in music history.

He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2000.

Answer: The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band

Although Watts and his ever-changing lineup is not a household name, his music has been very influential. His song "Express Yourself" got new life in the nineties when it was sampled by many rap artists.

Answer: False

The Ohio Players were the funk group with such hits as "Fire", "Love Rollercoaster" and "Funky Worm". The Ohio Express, on the other hand, was considered a bubblegum group. Their hits included "Yummy Yummy Yummy" and "Chewy Chewy".