Funk In The First Degree

The Funkisphere remembers Blues Guitarist, Funk legend, Songwriter, Johnny Guitar Watson on this memorable episode

John runs down all of the notable events for 2020 that happened in the Funkisphere!

John reposts this classic episode from Christmas 2016 of Funky Christmas Jams for your Funkin’ pleasure!

We lost the Iconic and influential Drummer, (Hamilton) Bohannon today. His four on the floor drumming style always got people out on the dance floor. Here’s our conversation with him as he was enjoying a renaissance of popularity and discovery … Continue reading →

Hey Funky one’s we’re still here! Here’s some good funky stuff for the Soundtrack to your Funky Christmas, and one of our favorite episodes. Enjoy.

John talks all about things Funky (so far) for the year 2019

John and the funky fellas talk about all things funky from 2018.

John talks about the final entrant to the Mount Rushmore of Funk, George Clinton, and why he deserves to be there in this episode.

John and the funky fellas discuss all things funky for 2017.

This is a repost of an episode deep in the archives, but wasn’t posted on the actual day of his birth. However we are reposting this episode on the day of his birth for historical accuracy.

John talks about all things funky for the year 2017.

John’s found some more Funk to share with you in this episode….

John shares some more funky gems on this episode.

John brings a new feature to the show, “Uncovered Funk” where he talks about and breaks down B-sides, Alternate Mixes and Deep Cuts from the Funkisphere.

Bob Davis of soul-patrol.com  joins John in the Funkisphere to wrap up their conversation of all things funky for the Summer of 2017.

Bob Davis of www.soul-patrol.com checks in with John to also talk about all things funky for the summer of 2017.

John and the fellas wrap up their conversation on all things Funky that occurred during the Summer of 2017.  

John and the funky fellas talk about all things funky that have transpired so far in the year 2017.

John talks about the great history and legacy of the genre that emanates from the Crescent City and the artists that put it on the map.

John is in a celebratory mood as Funk In The First Degree hits the 100th episode! He talks about the shows inception and plans for the show moving forward.

Bob Davis of www.soul-patrol.com and John wrap up the year 2016 in Part 2 of this  funk-filled episode.  

Bob Davis of www.soul-patrol.com rejoins John in the Funkisphere to talk about all things funky in Part One of the 2016  years end wrap up..

On this episode, John talks about and shares his thoughts over a great new book about Curtis Mayfield written by his Son, Todd.

John talks about the recent issue of previously unreleased Betty Davis recordings during her brief stint with CBS from the late 60’s  and commentary about the late Walter “Junie” Morrison in this enlightening episode. .

  John talks about Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Sylvester Stewart, aka Sly Stone leader and front man of the groundbreaking Funk/Rock/Soul ensemble, “Sly and The Family Stone” and the reasons why he’s included on the Mountain in … Continue reading →

John, Keith and Bo remember The “Wizard of Woo” Bernie Worrell in this episode.

John and the fellas Keith, Bo, and the returning Lindsey Robinson wrap up 2016 in the Funkisphere in this year end episode.

John has some more Funky Holiday songs for your listening pleasure.

Here are John’s final news and notes from the Funkisphere for 2016.

John runs down his last Funky Five for 2016.

John remembers the “Wizard of Woo” Bernie Worrell in this special episode.

John talks to Bob Davis of www.soul-patrol.com from the Summer of 2016 They discuss all that transpired in the Funkisphere at that time. *Muhammad Ali’s last two professional fights were losses to Larry Holmes and Trevor Berbick.

John has news and views from the Funkisphere!

John talks with Keith and Bo as they remember the Recording Artist and performer, Prince in this special episode. Charted singles (discussed on this episode): Soft And Wet (1978) R+B #12; Pop# 92 Why You Wanna Treat… (1980) R+B #13 … Continue reading →

The Funkisphere is still morning the loss of his Purple Badness, Prince, who passed away this past Spring of 2016. John shares some of his insights about the Icon and his legacy.

On this episode John talks about Maurice White, the founder and guiding force behind the supergroup,”Earth Wind and Fire” who passed away recently.

On this episode, John shares his thoughts on Rick James’s Memoir, “Confessions Of A Super Freak”and remembers the Icon, Clarence “Blowfly” Reid who recently passed away.

John talks about Songwriter, Producer, and Music Legend, Allen Toussaint, who passed away recently in this revealing episode.

Keith, Bo, and new Round tabler, Lindsey Robinson join John discussing all things Funky for 2015.

John plays you some of his funky holiday favorites!

John reviews this classic recording of Sly and the Family Stone performances at Bill Grahm’s legendary venue in New York City back in 1968. Name Your Link

John has News and Commentary emanating from the Funkisphere!

Soul Patrol’s Bob Davis returns to the Funkisphere to lend his insight, and analysis to all things Funky.  

John talks to Cartoonist, Illustrator, Musician, Songwriter, Stozo The Clown.Stozo and John talk about his work with George Clinton, The Horny Horns, Fuzzy Haskins, and other Funk related projects.  

John runs down his last Five Funk recordings he’s been listening to.

John welcomes back Keith, and new roundtabler, Wilmon “Bo” Fridie as they discuss the latest happenings in the Funkisphere.

On this episode John talks about the latest entry to the Mt. Rushmore of Funk, The Genius, Ray Charles and his accomplishments. John also shares obits about Ben E King, B.B. King and a note about the unexpected passing of Bassist, … Continue reading →

On this episode, John reveals the first inductee on the Mt Rushmore of Funk. He also has some Sly and The Family Stone news and comments on the ruling over the recent hit song, “Blurred Lines.”

John talks to Drummer “extraordinaire” Manuel The “Deacon” Kellough. He shares with us his amazing journey from playing with Billy Preston, Ray Charles, Graham Central Station to his current musical projects. MannyKellough.com

John wraps up his conversation with Neftaili Santiago, former Drummer for the group Mandrill. Neftaili has more stories about the band, and discusses his current projects. Be sure to check out Neftaili Santiago on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/neftali.santiago3

On part one of this episode, John talks to Drummer Neftali Santiago, formally of the group, Mandrill. We learn about Neftali’s roots in music, and how he joined the band.