The Fatback Band

Genres:	Funk • R&B / Soul
Descriptive "tags":	funk • acid jazz
Decades Active:	1970s • 1980s • 1990s • 2000s

Biography

There are many, including genuine authorities such as Afrika Bambaataa, who state that ‘King Tim III (Personality Jock)’ by Fatback, released on Spring Records in 1979, is the first true hip-hop record. ‘King Tim’ was actually the b-side to ‘You’re My Candy Sweet’, before radio programmers and listeners made it the more popular selection. The rap was delivered by the band’s master of ceremonies/warm-up act, King Tim III. After appearing solo on ‘Charley Says! (Roller Boogie Baby)’, backed by Fatback, he would disappear into the mists of hip-hop mythology. Archivists may like to note that ‘King Tim III’ is included on 1979’s XII album.

Elsewhere, the Fatback Band remained a predominantly R&B-based funk outfit. They were originally formed in 1973 by Bill Curtis (drums) Johnny King (guitar), Earl Shelton (saxophone), George Williams (trumpet), George Adam (flute) and Johnny...

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