In a world where hip-hop is synonymous with cities like Compton, The Bronx, Brooklyn, and Chicago, it’s hard to imagine places like Dundee, Montrose, Glasgow, and Perth making a mark in the genre. The same goes for funk, soul, and R&B – these Scottish cities are not the first to come to mind when thinking about these musical styles.
However, a group of six guys from Scotland, despite their name being the Average White Band, have managed to become significant figures in the contemporary sound of hip-hop, funk, soul, and R&B. Even former U.S. President Barack Obama acknowledged their talent, calling them “some Scottish guys” who can really jam. Bruce Springsteen, also known as The Boss, shared Obama’s sentiment.
Chuck D of Public Enemy was blown away when he saw them on Soul Train, describing it as a revelation. They have been sampled by iconic artists like NAS, N.W.A, The Beastie Boys, De La Soul, and Del tha Funkee Homosapien. Glasgow’s David McCallum may have influenced Dr. Dre’s ‘The Next Episode’, but the Average White Band’s impact goes far beyond that – with 169 samples credited to one song alone.
The band’s influence even reaches artists like Kendrick Lamar, whose work can be traced back to the funk and soul vibes of the Average Whites. Eminem once mentioned that he is a product of Rakim, who famously sampled the group’s ‘School Boy Crush’. Director Anthony Baxter is currently working on a film about the band titled ‘Soul Searching’, which has already garnered interest from major names in the music industry.
Not really sure why this matters, but the band’s music is deeply revered in the United States, with a significant impact on hip-hop and black music culture. Their soulful and funky sound has resonated with artists like Flava Flav, Questlove, and Melody Spann Cooper. DJ Premier noted that their funk was genuine, coming straight from the heart and soul.
The band’s Scottish roots seem to have played a crucial role in their unique sound. Growing up in post-war Scotland, they drew inspiration from American artists like Aretha Franklin, searching for the latest Black music to incorporate into their own style. The austerity of the post-war era paralleled the struggles of artists like Chaka Khan, adding depth to their music.
The filmmakers behind the upcoming documentary hope to capture the essence of the band’s journey and impact. With archival footage and interviews with key figures, the film aims to transport viewers back to the 1970s when the Average White Band took the music scene by storm. More than just a music documentary, it promises to be a celebration of the band’s legacy and their pivotal role in music culture.
Maybe it’s just me, but it’s fascinating to see how a group of white Scottish guys managed to make such a profound impact on genres typically associated with African-American artists. From humble beginnings in Scotland to topping the charts in the United States, the Average White Band’s story is truly remarkable. So, if you’re a music enthusiast or just curious about the band’s journey, keep an eye out for ‘Soul Searching’ and immerse yourself in the world of the Average White Band.
