This week’s episode examines how Funk took down arguably one of the most successful record labels in history.

Part 1 – Motown Gets Funky ***Podcast Subscribers Only

No doubt about it, Motown ruled pop music in the 1960s. But by the late 60s a new sound was taking over – Funk. James Brown’s infectious grooves, and Sly Stone’s psychedelic flair embodied the social-political sentiments of the Civil Rights, Black Power and Anti-War movements. Funk became the soundtrack of a new generation searching for a different cultural identity.

Motown’s bubble-gum pop soul and clean-cut image was OUT, but it would take several years after Brown’s first Funk track dropped for Motown founder Berry Gordy to adapt. His delay left Motown scrambling to stay relevant, and was the beginning of the end for the label

Part 2 – The J5 Get It Together ***Exclusive Web Content
(goto www.thefunkexcursion.com to hear the episode)

On this episode we survey the Jackson 5’s most pivital, but probably least know album,
“Get It Together”

In the early 70s, the changing musical and political landscape brought about concerns from Motown’s teeny bopper idols. Their fan base was growing up – but their music and image weren’t. Responding to the demands for change from his once chart topping boy band, Berry Gordy enlisted “The Corporation” to craft a new direction for the “J5”.  “Get It Together” was the Jackson 5’s first attempt at a Funk album. It spawned the hit song, “Dancing Machine”, and propelled the band in a new direction that would eventually lead them to become the first major Motown act to successfully leave the label.