Why The 1970’s Was The Peak Decade for Black Genius in Music
Nile Rodgers, Maurice White, Stevie Wonder, Roy Ayers, Jimi Hendrix, Marvin Gaye and hundreds of other Black musicians defined the 1970’s music cornerstone. Black music during this time exploded in America with such an unstoppable force and intention that you just had to stop and listen. From funk, rock, gospel, R&B, soul and disco, every inch of every genre was at the helm of Black creatives. The torch was in their hands.
Similarly, production duos played a huge role in shaping the same sound of Black music. Those include, the unstoppable juggernaut of a production duo, Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff. Them and other producers like Thom Bell and Norman Harris were the driving force behind the Philly record label, Philadelphia International Records. They produced for artists such as, The O’ Jays, Teddy Pendagrass, Billy Paul, Lou Rawls, etc. What made a lot of the Philly International groups/artists stand out was their unique and danceable arrangements. The strings and horns were moving in such a way that in triggered people to get up and dance at clubs.
The powerhouse Motown duo Norman Whitfield & Barrett Strong. They were able to seamlessly merge the psychedelia and soul music at the time and craft a genre named psychedelic soul. Songs like “Law of the Land” and “Cloud Nine” are perfect examples of that sound and movement.
Nile Rodgers & Benard Edwards of Chic are another example. Their sound defined the minimalist yet complex groove of dance music during the late 70’s. Additionally, Rodgers unmistakable rhythm mixed with Edwards funky bass lines also were the blueprint for the all-female disco group Sister Sledge. There were many other Black duo’s/producers who crafted timeless records, filled dance floors and revolutionized the art form.
Next, a piece on 1970’s Black music has to include the cosmic pioneers of funk itself, Parliment-Funkadelic. To say they reinvented the wheel would be an understatement. The mind of its bandleader George Clinton and his way of putting together extremely talented musicians like Eddie Hazel and Bernie Worrell gave away to a funk supergroup.
The band’s creation is a little tricky. They can either go by Parliement or Funkadelic. My favorite era of the group was their first iteration. Their first album, Maggot Brain, which was released in 1971 saw them forming a raw acid funk sound. Basically, the album has a gritty rock texture that set them apart from other acts at that time. Maggot Brain was not the polished straight ahead funk that would later form Parliment-Funkadelic.
Get Jaylen Jackson’s stories in your inbox
Join Medium for free to get updates from this writer.
Another keystone of Black music are the messages that are imbedded within the songs. That could be its own piece. The record Chocolate City by then just Parliament has a song by the same name which is a metaphor for the influence and power of Black people in America.
Continuing on the road of funk, we cannot forget James Brown. Brown paved the way for artists like Michael Jackson and Prince. Even though Prince is a giant in is own right. As they say, the hardest working man in show business. He was a groove machine that kept giving the world songs that had the magic ingredient to make you get up and dance. Of course I have to acknowledge the musicians who made his records possible. Brown has worked with tons of players. Many drummers, guitarists and bassists. A stand out player was Boosty Collins. The great bass player who crafted a lot of James Brown’s funkiest basslines.
The power of his band was the result of constant rehearsals and a need to perfect every note. There is this phrase in music: on the one, which means the first beat of a musical measure. It is the catalyst for the rest of the groove. Brown realized that this was the most powerful part of the measure and engineered his songs based on that.
Talking about a music group that had America in the palm of its hand, Earth, Wind & Fire were a set of performers making music that defined what it meant to create magic in the 1970’s. They pierced the souls of millions of people. Setting themselves apart from their counterparts.
The creator and bandleader Maurice White, had a mission to put together a set a musicians and form a cohesive sound that would dominate the decade, leading in to 1980’s.
The Genesis of Earth, Wind & Fire music can be described as free-form progressive. During the early albums, the band had a jazzy more rough sound. Different than what would be mega hits like “September” and “Boogie Wonderland.” With White being the primary drummer, he drumming took the forefront. You can hear that on the song “Energy.” You can really hear the jazz inspiration and a beginning drum solo. It wasn’t until the Open Our Eyes album that the band solidified a certain rhythm that would guide their future albums and perfect that sound even more.
Some would say 1975’s album That’s the Way of the World is the bands best album. I can see why. I’m stuck between All ‘N All and I Am. (That’s just me though) What the That’s the Way of the World album did was lay the foundation of “the” sound of Earth, Wind & Fire. It was the album that proved their arrangements were nothing to mess with. In addition, This is was the first album they introduced horns as a funk component.
“Shining Star” (one of my favorites) is the perfect song to play for someone to get them introduced to their musical style. It begins with this jumpy and groovy guitar line, played by Albert McKay. The bass soon follows with the same lick, played by Verdine White. Then, a set of punchy horn stabs starts the groove. It’s a tight syncopated slow rhythm. What’s unique about it is how it’s not your straightforward 1,2,3,4. I like to think of it has a out of kilter rhythm. It just works.
Fast forward to 1979’s album I Am, here is where everything great about Earth, Wind & Fire got boosted up 110 percent. Maurice brought in Grammy nominated producer David Foster to co-wrote all the songs on the album. Foster is a mega hit songwriter with credits such as “You’re My Inspiration” by the rock/pop band Chicago and a co-arranger on “Earth Song” by Michael Jackson. Anyways, Earth, Wind & Fire has always dipped its toe in disco ever since 1976’s album Spirit. However, on I Am, it’s cranked all the way up. With me being the biggest disco/dance fan, this one is my favorite. It’s them at their peak. Their ballads are fantastic as well. “Be Ever Wonderful,” the final song from All ‘N All shows Maurice’s skill as a vocalist. He sings with so much emphasis and emotion.
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to explaining the significance and celebrating Black music of the 1970’s. All the artists I mentioned and spoke about were creating history. A lot of them were ahead of their time. That decade proved to be the most diverse and creative for Black musicians to express their talent in the highest degree.
