The Meters: The Architects of New Orleans Funk
The Meters are the foundational funk band from New Orleans, Louisiana. Their tight, syncopated grooves, built on the "second line" rhythm, became the backbone for countless hip-hop samples and defined the sound of an era.
Early career
Formed in 1965, the original lineup featured keyboardist and vocalist Art Neville, guitarist Leo Nocentelli, bassist George Porter Jr., and drummer Joseph "Zigaboo" Modeliste. They quickly became the house band for Allen Toussaint's Sansu Enterprises label, providing the instrumental backbone for hits by artists like Lee Dorsey.
Breakthrough
The group's breakthrough came with a string of instrumental singles starting in 1969, including Cissy Strut and Sophisticated Cissy. These tracks, released on Josie Records, cracked the Billboard R&B chart and established their signature sound: a sparse, gritty, and impossibly rhythmic blend of funk, R&B, and New Orleans parade traditions.
Key tracks
Cissy Strut - This 1969 instrumental was their biggest commercial hit, reaching No. 4 on the R&B chart and becoming a funk anthem.
Look-Ka Py Py - The title track from their 1970 album is a masterclass in minimalist funk, driven by Modeliste's iconic drum break.
Hey Pocky A-Way - A definitive New Orleans funk standard that encapsulates the party spirit and rhythmic complexity of the band.
Fire on the Bayou - A highlight from their 1975 album for Reprise Records, showcasing a fuller, more vocal-driven side of their swamp funk.
People Say - This 1974 track demonstrated their evolving songcraft and social consciousness, while maintaining a deep groove.
Throughout the 1970s, The Meters released a series of acclaimed albums on Reprise, including Rejuvenation (1974), and became a potent touring act, often opening for The Rolling Stones. Despite disbanding in 1977, their legacy was cemented as their rhythms became a prime source for sampling in hip-hop, used by artists like Queen Latifah, Run-D.M.C., and the Beastie Boys. The band has reunited in various forms over the years, including as The Funky Meters and The Meter Men, keeping the music alive.
Fans of The Meters' foundational funk should also explore the work of The JB's, the tight ensemble behind James Brown. The New Orleans piano tradition is carried forward by Dr. John with his own gris-gris groove. For more modern instrumental funk, investigate Medeski Martin & Wood and their jazz-funk explorations. The rhythmic drive of Sly & The Family Stone shares a similar pioneering spirit in blending funk with other genres.
The Meters' influential catalog is a staple on classic funk and R&B radio stations, as well as specialty programs dedicated to the history of American music. Their timeless grooves continue to be discovered by new generations of listeners through these curated broadcasts.
You can hear the pioneering funk of The Meters on radio stations featured here, exploring the deep catalog of one of New Orleans' most sampled and influential groups through our platform.
