About the song
“Play That Funky Music” by Wild Cherry is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. Released in 1976, this iconic track was written by the band’s lead vocalist and guitarist, Rob Parissi. It was featured on their debut self-titled album, “Wild Cherry,” which catapulted the group into the spotlight.
The story behind “Play That Funky Music” is as vibrant as the song itself. It originated when Wild Cherry was transitioning from a hard rock band to a funk-oriented group. During a performance, a fan jokingly shouted, “Play some funky music, white boy!” Inspired by this remark, Parissi penned the song in just a few minutes, capturing the essence of the funk genre that was sweeping the nation at the time.
“Play That Funky Music” quickly climbed the charts, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and holding that position for three consecutive weeks. It also topped the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart, solidifying its cross-genre appeal. The single sold over two million copies, earning it a well-deserved Platinum certification from the RIAA.
The song’s infectious groove, catchy lyrics, and dynamic brass section made it an instant hit at discos and parties, and it remains a staple in dance music playlists today. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the song’s universal appeal and Wild Cherry’s unique ability to blend rock and funk elements seamlessly.
“Play That Funky Music” has been covered and sampled by numerous artists over the years, further cementing its status as a cultural touchstone. Whether you are revisiting it for a nostalgic trip down memory lane or discovering it for the first time, the energetic and spirited vibe of this classic hit is sure to get you moving.
Video
Lyrics
[Intro]
A-hey, do it now, huh
Yeah, hey[Verse 1]
Hey-ah, once I was a boogie singer
Playing in a rock and roll band
I never had no problems, yeah
Burning down the one-night stands
Then everything around me, yeah
It got to start to feeling so low
And I decided quickly, yes, I did, heh
To disco down and check out the show[Pre-Chorus]
Yeah, they were dancing and singing
And moving to the grooving
And just when it hit me
Somebody turned around and shouted[Chorus]
“Play that funky music, white boy
Play that funky music right
Play that funky music, white boy
Lay down the boogie and play that funky music ’til you die”, heh heh
‘Til you die, yeah (What?)
Hear, hear, heh