Funky Friday – Episode 78: Another Trip Around The Sun
Updated: Jul 31
🎧 Quick Links:
🎧 Listen live on KDOG 9 AM Pacific Time→ Here
🎧 Listen live on KCSM HD2 9 PM Pacific Time→ Here (On mobile, scroll down to the KCSM HD2 player)
📆 Add to Calendar — Funky Friday (Weekly):
• 9 AM KDOG
Add to Google Calendar
• 9 PM KCSM HD2
Add to Google Calendar
🎶 Catch the Replay → Here
📖 Full Episode Recaps + Setlists → Here
📻 Renegade Radio Site → Here
Airdate: 7.31.26 - 9 AM Pacific Time on KDOG & 9 PM Pacific Time on KCSM HD2
Funky Friday – Episode 78: Another Trip Around The Sun
Happy Friday and welcome back to another trip around the sun.
This week is a little special. Episode 78 arrives on my birthday, which seemed like the perfect reason to celebrate another trip around the sun the best way I know how... with great music.
But this episode isn't really about birthdays.
It's about the records that stay with us.
The songs that become part of our lives.
The artists whose music continues to inspire us, decade after decade.
This week's journey brings together eleven legendary artists who helped define the sound of funk.
From the unmistakable harmonies of Earth, Wind & Fire and the boundless creativity of Stevie Wonder to the swagger of Johnny "Guitar" Watson, the unmistakable groove of Parliament, and the timeless musicianship of Quincy Jones, these are the recordings that continue to light up dance floors, car stereos, and radio speakers around the world.
Some songs remind us where we've been.
Others remind us how far we've come.
The very best simply remind us to celebrate.
So wherever you're listening from, thank you for spending part of your Friday with me.
Here's to another trip around the sun.
Let's celebrate together.
Signal Discovery
Some songs don't just become hits.
They become celebrations.
This week's featured performance shines a spotlight on one of funk's most joyful recordings: "Stomp!" by The Brothers Johnson.
Released in 1980 and produced by the legendary Quincy Jones, Stomp! became an international smash by combining irresistible rhythm, dazzling musicianship, and an energy that's impossible to resist.
Anchored by Louis Johnson's iconic bass playing and George Johnson's soaring guitar and vocals, the song remains one of the defining anthems of the era.
Watching the band perform it live only amplifies the experience.
Every musician is completely locked into the groove, creating the kind of chemistry that can only happen when world-class players are enjoying every second they're on stage.
More than four decades later, Stomp! still fills dance floors, sporting events, weddings, and celebrations around the globe.
Before we continue our own trip around the sun, spend a few minutes with one of funk's most enduring classics.
Watch the performance below, then hear Stomp! as part of this week's Funky Friday journey.
Funky Friday – Episode 76: Papa's Got A Brand New Bag
🔥 SETLIST + RENEGADE NOTES
EARTH, WIND & FIRE — Shining Star (1975)
Personnel: Maurice White (lead vocals, drums, kalimba), Philip Bailey (vocals, percussion), Verdine White (bass), Al McKay (guitar), Johnny Graham (guitar), Larry Dunn (keyboards), Andrew Woolfolk (saxophone, flute), Ralph Johnson (drums, percussion), Fred White (drums).
Renegade Note: Opening this week's celebration, Shining Star became Earth, Wind & Fire's first No. 1 single and remains one of the band's defining recordings. Its uplifting message, tight vocal harmonies, and unmistakable groove remind us that the brightest stars aren't just born, they're built through passion, perseverance, and heart.
THE BROTHERS JOHNSON — Stomp! (1980)
Personnel: George Johnson (lead vocals, guitar), Louis Johnson (bass, vocals), Richard Heath (keyboards), Tom Garvin (keyboards), Harvey Mason (drums). Produced by Quincy Jones.
Renegade Note: Produced by Quincy Jones, Stomp! became one of the defining dance records of the era. Louis Johnson's explosive bass work and the band's effortless chemistry transformed an irresistible groove into one of funk's most enduring celebrations.
JOHNNY "GUITAR" WATSON — A Real Mother For Ya (1977)
Personnel: Johnny "Guitar" Watson (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Larry Williams (keyboards), Wilton Felder (bass), James Gadson (drums).
Renegade Note: After establishing himself as a blues guitar pioneer decades earlier, Johnny "Guitar" Watson reinvented himself for a new generation with sophisticated funk arrangements, razor-sharp humor, and unmistakable swagger. A Real Mother For Ya perfectly captures that remarkable second act.
RUFUS featuring CHAKA KHAN — Tell Me Something Good (1974)
Personnel: Chaka Khan (lead vocals), Tony Maiden (guitar, vocals), Kevin Murphy (keyboards), Bobby Watson (bass), André Fischer (drums). Written by Stevie Wonder.
Renegade Note: Written by Stevie Wonder specifically for Rufus, Tell Me Something Good became the breakthrough hit that introduced the world to Chaka Khan's extraordinary voice. Its unforgettable clavinet groove and powerhouse vocal remain among the defining moments of 1970s funk.
STEVIE WONDER — Another Star (1976)
Personnel: Stevie Wonder (vocals, keyboards, synthesizers, percussion), Nathan Watts (bass), Raymond Pounds (drums), Bobbi Humphrey (flute).
Renegade Note: Closing Songs in the Key of Life, Another Star blends Latin rhythms, jazz harmony, and Stevie Wonder's limitless optimism into a joyful celebration of life itself. Few recordings better capture the spirit of gratitude that inspired this week's theme.
KOOL & THE GANG — Spirit of the Boogie (1975)
Personnel: Robert "Kool" Bell (bass), Ronald Bell (tenor saxophone, keyboards), George Brown (drums), Dennis Thomas (alto saxophone, flute), Claydes Charles Smith (guitar), Ricky Westfield (keyboards), Robert Mickens (trumpet).
Renegade Note: Long before their crossover pop success, Kool & The Gang built their reputation on deep, horn-driven funk. Spirit of the Boogie captures the band's joyful energy while celebrating rhythm, movement, and the communal spirit that made funk a cultural phenomenon.
OHIO PLAYERS — Fire (1974)
Personnel: Leroy "Sugarfoot" Bonner (guitar, vocals), Marshall "Rock" Jones (bass), Billy Beck (keyboards), James "Diamond" Williams (drums), Clarence "Satch" Satchell (saxophone, flute), Ralph Middlebrooks (trumpet), Marvin Pierce (trombone).
Renegade Note: Built around one of funk's most recognizable guitar riffs, Fire propelled the Ohio Players to international success. Equal parts precision musicianship and unapologetic swagger, it remains one of the decade's defining funk recordings.
QUINCY JONES — Stuff Like That (1978)
Personnel: Quincy Jones (producer, arranger), Chaka Khan (vocals), Ashford & Simpson (vocals), Steve Gadd (drums), Anthony Jackson (bass), Eric Gale (guitar), Richard Tee (keyboards).
Renegade Note: Quincy Jones had a remarkable gift for bringing extraordinary musicians together and giving each one room to shine. Stuff Like That blends funk, jazz, soul, and pop into a sophisticated groove that reflects his unmatched vision as a producer and arranger.
SLY & THE FAMILY STONE — If You Want Me to Stay (1973)
Personnel: Sly Stone (vocals, keyboards, guitar, bass), Cynthia Robinson (trumpet), Jerry Martini (saxophone), Pat Rizzo (saxophone), Andy Newmark (drums).
Renegade Note: Built around one of the most influential bass lines in popular music, If You Want Me to Stay showcases Sly Stone's extraordinary ability to pair deeply personal songwriting with understated funk. Its influence can still be heard across countless genres today.
WAR — Galaxy (1977)
Personnel: Howard Scott (guitar), B.B. Dickerson (bass), Lonnie Jordan (keyboards, vocals), Harold Brown (drums), Lee Oskar (harmonica), Charles Miller (saxophone, flute), Papa Dee Allen (percussion).
Renegade Note: Few bands blended musical styles as naturally as War. Galaxy fuses funk, jazz, Latin rhythms, soul, and rock into a spacious, hypnotic groove that reflects the band's remarkable chemistry and adventurous spirit.
PARLIAMENT — Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof Off the Sucker) (1975)
Personnel: George Clinton (vocals), Bootsy Collins (bass), Bernie Worrell (keyboards), Garry Shider (guitar, vocals), Michael Hampton (guitar), Jerome Brailey (drums), Maceo Parker (saxophone), Fred Wesley (trombone).
Renegade Note: Closing this week's celebration, Give Up the Funk became Parliament's signature anthem and one of the most influential recordings in funk history. Its unforgettable chorus, larger-than-life personality, and unstoppable groove provide the perfect finale to a playlist celebrating another trip around the sun.
🔗 Quick Links:
🎧 Listen live on KDOG 9 AM Pacific Time→ Here
🎧 Listen live on KCSM HD2 9 PM Pacific Time→ Here (On mobile, scroll down to the KCSM HD2 player)
📆 Add to Calendar — Funky Friday (Weekly):
• 9 AM KDOG
Add to Google Calendar
• 9 PM KCSM HD2
Add to Google Calendar
🎶 Catch the Replay → Here
📖 Full Episode Recaps + Setlists → Here
📻 Renegade Radio Site → Here
Funk Facts
EARTH, WIND & FIRE — Shining Star
Built around punchy rhythm guitar, Verdine White's melodic bass lines, layered vocal harmonies, crisp horn punctuations, and Maurice White's unmistakable kalimba-inspired rhythmic sensibility. The arrangement demonstrates how Earth, Wind & Fire blended funk precision with uplifting optimism to create one of the most recognizable sounds of the 1970s.
THE BROTHERS JOHNSON — Stomp!
Driven by Louis Johnson's thunderous slap bass, shimmering synthesizers, tight rhythm guitar, polished vocal harmonies, and an infectious dance groove. The arrangement showcases Quincy Jones' remarkable ability to fuse studio precision with irresistible funk energy.
JOHNNY "GUITAR" WATSON — A Real Mother For Ya
Constructed from wah-infused guitar, syncopated bass grooves, bright electric keyboards, punchy horn accents, and Watson's unmistakable vocal swagger. The arrangement highlights his seamless fusion of blues roots with sophisticated late-1970s funk.
RUFUS featuring CHAKA KHAN — Tell Me Something Good
Built around Stevie Wonder's iconic clavinet riff, Chaka Khan's commanding vocal performance, deep bass grooves, rhythmic guitar, and crisp drumming. The arrangement demonstrates how a perfectly crafted groove can elevate one of soul's greatest vocal performances.
STEVIE WONDER — Another Star
Driven by vibrant synthesizers, expressive electric piano, Latin-inspired percussion, melodic bass movement, soaring flute, and layered vocal harmonies. The arrangement showcases Stevie Wonder's extraordinary ability to blend world rhythms, jazz harmony, and pop songwriting into a joyful musical celebration.
KOOL & THE GANG — Spirit of the Boogie
Constructed from driving bass lines, interlocking rhythm guitars, vibrant horn arrangements, spirited vocal chants, and energetic percussion. The arrangement captures the band's signature ability to transform tight ensemble playing into an irresistible invitation to dance.
OHIO PLAYERS — Fire
Built around Sugarfoot Bonner's instantly recognizable guitar riff, explosive horn arrangements, elastic bass grooves, soulful keyboards, and dynamic drumming. The arrangement demonstrates how disciplined musicianship and undeniable swagger combined to create one of funk's defining anthems.
QUINCY JONES — Stuff Like That
Driven by sophisticated electric piano, fluid bass lines, tasteful rhythm guitar, polished vocal interplay, and impeccable studio craftsmanship. The arrangement showcases Quincy Jones' extraordinary talent for assembling world-class musicians into a seamless musical conversation.
SLY & THE FAMILY STONE — If You Want Me to Stay
Constructed from one of funk's most influential bass lines, understated rhythm guitar, sparse keyboard textures, subtle horn accompaniment, and Sly Stone's relaxed vocal delivery. The arrangement illustrates how simplicity, space, and groove can create lasting musical impact.
WAR — Galaxy
Built around Lee Oskar's expressive harmonica, atmospheric keyboards, Latin-inspired percussion, melodic bass movement, soulful saxophone, and expansive rhythmic interplay. The arrangement demonstrates War's remarkable ability to merge multiple musical traditions into one unmistakable groove.
PARLIAMENT — Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof Off the Sucker)
Driven by Bootsy Collins' elastic bass lines, Bernie Worrell's soaring synthesizers, infectious vocal chants, layered guitar rhythms, and thunderous funk grooves. The arrangement perfectly captures Parliament's larger-than-life approach to funk, where theatrical imagination and exceptional musicianship collide to create an unforgettable musical experience.
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