Bar-Kays facts for kids

The Bar-Kays are an American funk band that started in 1964. They became famous for their many hit songs from the 1960s to the 1980s. Some of their well-known songs include "Soul Finger" in 1967, "Son of Shaft" in 1972, and "Boogie Body Land" in 1980. These songs often appeared on the US music charts.

The Bar-Kays: A Musical Journey

Early Days and Soul Music

The Bar-Kays began their journey in Memphis, Tennessee. At first, they were a studio session group. This means they played instruments for other famous artists at Stax Records, a well-known record company.

In 1967, a very famous singer named Otis Redding chose them to be his backing band. They learned a lot from experienced musicians like Al Jackson, Jr. and Booker T. Jones. Their first song, "Soul Finger", came out on April 14, 1967. It quickly became a hit, reaching number 3 on the US Billboard R&B Singles chart. It also reached number 17 on the overall Billboard Hot 100 chart.

On December 10, 1967, a terrible accident happened. Otis Redding and four members of the band were on a plane that crashed into Lake Monona in Wisconsin. The band members who passed away were Jimmie King (guitar), Ronnie Caldwell (electric organ), Phalon Jones (saxophone), and Carl Cunningham (drums). Their partner, Matthew Kelly, also passed away.

Only one band member, trumpeter Ben Cauley, survived the crash. The bassist, James Alexander, was on a different plane. After this sad event, Ben Cauley and James Alexander worked hard to rebuild the group.

Rebuilding and New Sounds

The new Bar-Kays band included Ben Cauley, James Alexander, and new members. These new members were Harvey Henderson (saxophone), Michael Toles (guitar), Ronnie Gorden (organ), Willie Hall (drums), and later Larry Dodson (lead vocals).

This group continued to play for many other artists at Stax Records. They even played on Isaac Hayes's famous album Hot Buttered Soul.

In 1971, Ben Cauley left the group. The remaining members, including Alexander and Dodson, created the album Black Rock. In 1973, Lloyd Smith joined the band. The band's music style began to change in the 1970s. They started focusing more on funk music and became very successful in this new style. When the Stax/Volt record label closed in 1975, the group signed with Mercury Records.

Funk Era Success

By 1976, the band was making big waves in funk music. Their song "Shake Your Rump to the Funk" became a top five hit on the R&B charts. The band members at this time included Dodson (vocals), Alexander (bass), Lloyd Smith (guitar), Charles Allen (trumpet), Harvey Henderson (saxophone), Frank Thompson (trombone), Winston Stewart (keyboards), and Mike Beard (drums).

In 1977, they released the album Flying High on Your Love. This album featured songs like "Shut the Funk Up," which was a popular disco song. The Bar-Kays were at their peak as a funk band from the late 1970s to the late 1980s. They released many popular songs during this time, such as "Move Your Boogie Body" (1979), "Hit and Run" (1981), "Freak Show on the Dance Floor" (1984), "Certified True" (1987), and "Struck by You" (1989).

In 1983, Larry 'LJ' Johnson joined the group on vocals and percussion. The Bar-Kays continued to have many hits on the R&B charts throughout the 1980s.

The band took a break in the late 1980s. They got back together in 1991, with James Alexander being the only original member. Since then, new members like Larry Dodson, Archie Love, Bryan Smith, and Tony Gentry have joined the group.

James Alexander's son is the famous rapper and record producer Phalon "Jazze Pha" Alexander. He was named after Phalon Jones, one of the band members who passed away in the 1967 plane crash.

The Bar-Kays have been honored for their contributions to music. In 2013, they were welcomed into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame. On June 6, 2015, they were also inducted into the Official Rhythm & Blues Music Hall of Fame. Sadly, trumpeter Ben Cauley, the only survivor of the 1967 plane crash, passed away in Memphis on September 21, 2015.

Discography

Albums

Singles

See also

In Spanish: The Bar-Kays para niños