The Meters were an American funk band formed in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1965. Known for their tight rhythmic interplay, distinctive grooves, and deep connection to New Orleans musical traditions, the group became one of the most influential funk bands of the late 1960s and 1970s. Although they achieved limited commercial success during their original recording period, The Meters' innovative approach to rhythm, instrumentation, and songwriting had a lasting impact on Funk, Rock, Hip-Hop, and popular music.

The band was founded by keyboardist and vocalist Art Neville, a respected New Orleans musician who had already achieved success through his work with groups including The Hawketts, whose 1954 recording "Mardi Gras Mambo" became a regional classic. Neville assembled The Meters with bassist George Porter Jr., guitarist Leo Nocentelli, and drummer Joseph "Zigaboo" Modeliste, creating a quartet built around a highly interactive rhythm section and a stripped-down approach that emphasized groove and musical precision.

Initially formed as the house band for producer Allen Toussaint and his Sansu Enterprises label, The Meters played an important role in shaping the sound of New Orleans soul and funk during the late 1960s. Their instrumental performances provided the foundation for recordings by artists including Dr. John, and other New Orleans musicians, while their own recordings introduced a distinctive style built on syncopated rhythms, melodic bass lines, and economical arrangements.

A short side note here: Arts brother Aaron Neville was responsible for the 1973 powerhouse classic 'Hercules' which was also produced by Toussaint. This track has also received a lot of attention in Hip-Hop, with its most notable features on the Southern Comfort Mix of I Come Off by Young MC which featured on the 12" version of the 1990 hit.

The Meters released their self-titled debut album, The Meters, in 1969, introducing their signature instrumental funk sound through tracks such as "Sophisticated Cissy" and "Cissy Strut." Follow-up albums including Look-Ka Py Py (1970), Struttin' (1970), Cabbage Alley (1972), Rejuvenation (1974), and Fire on the Bayou (1975) further developed the band's blend of funk, R&B, soul, and New Orleans musical influences.

"Cissy Strut" became The Meters' most successful single, reaching the Billboard Hot 100 and establishing the group as an important force in instrumental funk. The recording's memorable guitar lines, syncopated drumming, and understated keyboard work became representative of the band's approach: creating powerful grooves through subtle interaction rather than heavy arrangements.

During the 1970s, The Meters expanded beyond instrumental recordings and began incorporating vocals and broader song structures. Their later albums demonstrated the group's versatility while maintaining the rhythmic identity that defined their music. In addition to their own recordings, members of the band contributed to projects connected to the New Orleans music community and became influential collaborators with artists across genres.

The Meters' influence grew significantly after their original recording period. Their music became an essential reference point for musicians studying funk rhythm and groove, and their recordings have been widely sampled by Hip-Hop artists and producers including A Tribe Called Quest, Jungle Brothers, Gang Starr, Big Daddy Kane, 2 Live Crew, EPMD, Cypress Hill, The Pharcyde, Mantronix, Lord Finesse and Jurassic 5 to name just a few. Groups and artists including The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Talking Heads, The Beastie Boys, and many others have drawn inspiration from The Meters' approach to rhythm, while their work remains highly regarded among musicians and collectors.

The original members reunited periodically over the years under the name The Original Meters, continuing to perform and celebrate their musical legacy. The band received further recognition when they were inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame and were nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame multiple times.

The Meters' legacy is defined by their contribution to the development of funk as a rhythm-focused musical language. Through precise musicianship, innovative grooves, and a deep connection to New Orleans traditions, the band created a body of work that continues to influence instrumentalists, producers, and artists around the world. Their recordings remain a foundational part of funk history and an enduring example of the power of musical economy and collective groove.