Rufus Thomas - Do The Funky Chicken

Year Released: 1969
Genre: Funk / Soul / R&B

Description:
Released in 1969 on Stax Records, “Do The Funky Chicken” stands as one of the earliest and most exuberant examples of pure Southern funk. Backed by Booker T. & The MG’s and The Bar-Kays, the track captures Rufus Thomas at his most playful — part comic emcee, part preacher of rhythm.

The groove is irresistible: snapping drums, percolating bass, and stabbing horns, all underpinning Thomas’s wild vocal delivery as he leads listeners through his own dance-floor creation. Beneath the humor, the record marked a turning point — bridging Memphis R&B and the emerging funk explosion of the 1970s.

It became a major crossover hit, reaching #5 on the R&B charts and establishing Thomas as a master showman who could make a dance record both funny and deeply funky.

“Do The Funky Chicken” has been heavily mined by Hip-Hop producers and breakbeat DJs for its tight drum breaks, horn stabs, and vocal shouts. Some of the most notable samplings and references include the Beastie Boys – “Shake Your Rump”. DJ Shadow – “Number Song” (Cut Chemist Remix) and Coldcut – “Beats + Pieces”

Beyond sampling, “Do The Funky Chicken” also influenced generations of funk vocalists and performers, from George Clinton and Bootsy Collins to Prince, who echoed Thomas’s mix of humor, groove, and personality.