Fatback Band

Fatback Band

Fatback Band is an American funk and disco group from Fayetteville, New York, active since 1970. It is later known simply as Fatback. The group is associated with disco, funk and synth funk, and its music is often described through its emphasis on a street-funk style.

Formation and line-up

The band is led by Bill Curtis, an experienced session drummer who forms the concept for the group around the idea of bringing the fatback jazz beat of New Orleans into a funk setting. The original line-up includes guitarist Johnny King, bassist Johnny Flippin, trumpet player George Williams, saxophonist Earl Shelton, flautist George Adams and keyboardist Gerry Thomas. Later members include conga player Wayne Woolford, vocalists Jayne and Gerry, Deborah Cooper, saxophonist Fred Demery, guitarist Louis Wright and George Victory. Other listed members include Robert Damper, Michael Walker and Ed Jackson.

Notable recordings

The group is best known for the R&B hits “(Do The) Spanish Hustle”, “I Like Girls”, “Gotta Get My Hands on Some (Money)” and “Backstrokin'”. Its 1979 single “King Tim III (Personality Jock)” is sometimes regarded as the first hip hop single.

Career profile

Fatback Band is most associated with the 1970s and 1980s, when it reaches its widest audience through its funk and disco recordings. The group remains active and continues under the Fatback name.