Introduction
“Play That Funky Music” isn’t just a catchy tune – it’s a snapshot of a band adapting to a changing musical landscape. Wild Cherry, originally a hard rock outfit, found themselves struggling to land gigs in the disco-dominated mid-70s. Promoters craved the dancefloor-filling grooves of funk and disco, leaving hard rock acts like Wild Cherry out in the cold.
Enter songwriter Rob Parissi. Recognizing the shift in tastes, Parissi crafted “Play That Funky Music,” a song that cleverly blended Wild Cherry’s rock roots with the infectious energy of funk. The lyrics, with their playful call to “play that funky music” and the now-famous line “play that funky music white boy,” became an anthem for anyone wanting to loosen up and get down.
Released in 1976, “Play That Funky Music” became an instant success. While the “white boy” lyric has sparked discussions in later years about racial connotations, in the context of the 70s, it was likely meant more as a good-natured nudge towards embracing a different musical style. Regardless, the song’s infectious groove and undeniable fun factor propelled it to the top of the charts, making Wild Cherry one-hit wonders and leaving behind a legacy that continues to ignite dancefloors today.
So, crank up the volume and get ready to groove. “Play That Funky Music” is more than just a song – it’s a reminder to embrace change, move your feet, and let the funk flow!