Ethan Teaches You Music Podcast The name of this tune is The Funky Drummer
11 snips
May 8, 2025 Dive into the fascinating world of the Funky Drummer break! Discover its origins and immense cultural influence in hip-hop and pop music. Unpack the underrated contributions of drummer Clyde Stubblefield and the revival of this iconic beat in the 1980s. Explore the legacy of classic tracks and delve into the complex copyright issues surrounding sampled drum breaks. Get ready to groove to the rhythms that shaped the music industry and made history!
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Origin of Funky Drummer Break
- James Brown named the track after Clyde Stubblefield's drum break in the moment during recording. - He directed Stubblefield to keep playing a groove, not a solo, highlighting the drummer's role.
Funky Drummer's Rise in Hip-Hop
- Early hip-hop tracks sampled Funky Drummer, boosting James Brown's popularity in the 80s. - A DJ edited the Funky Drummer Bonus Beat Reprise for easy hip-hop use.
Funky Drummer's Widespread Influence
- Artists across decades, from Eric B. & Rakim to Lupe Fiasco, sampled or referenced Funky Drummer. - The break's influence spans genres including hip-hop, pop, and electronic music.
