Wild Cherry: The Funk Rock Pioneers

Wild Cherry was an American band best known for blending rock and funk into a chart-topping hit. The group, formed in Mingo Junction, Ohio, achieved massive commercial success in the mid-1970s with their self-titled debut album.

Early career

The band was formed in 1970 by guitarist and vocalist Rob Parissi. Initially, Wild Cherry performed as a rock cover band in clubs around the Ohio and West Virginia area, developing a local following.

Breakthrough

Their breakthrough came in 1976 with the release of the single "Play That Funky Music." The track, from their debut album Wild Cherry on the Sweet City label, became a cultural phenomenon. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified platinum, selling over two million copies.

Key tracks

Play That Funky Music - This 1976 single defined the band's sound and remains one of the most recognizable funk-rock anthems of all time.

Baby Don't You Know - A track from their debut album that further showcased their blend of rock guitar and danceable funk rhythms.

Hot to Trot - Released as a single in 1977, this song continued the band's formula of energetic funk-rock following their initial success.

Despite the monumental success of their first single, Wild Cherry struggled to replicate its impact with subsequent releases. The band released several more albums, including 1977's Electrified Funk and 1978's I Love My Music, but none matched the commercial peak of their debut. Internal changes and shifting musical tastes led to the group disbanding in the early 1980s, though their signature song endured.

For fans of the 1970s funk-rock crossover sound, similar artists include Kool And The Gang, who also mastered the blend of funk with pop and rock elements. The Ohio Players share the gritty, horn-driven funk sound from the same region. KC And The Sunshine Band delivered a similarly infectious and dance-oriented style during the disco era.