Ep 13. Con Funk Shun

UnSung is a docuseries that takes viewers behind the scenes of some of the most talented and celebrated R&B, soul, and hip hop artists of all time. In season 5 episode 13 titled "Con Funk Shun," the focus is on the funk band that brought the Bay Area to its feet in the 70s and 80s.

Con Funk Shun was founded in Vallejo, California in the late 60s by high school buddies Michael Cooper and Felton Pilate. The band started out playing covers of popular funk and soul songs at local gigs and quickly gained a following. After adding more members to the band, including lead vocalist Felton's brother Karl, they began writing their own material and landed a record deal with Mercury Records.

Their first album, "Organized Con Funk Shun," was released in 1978 and spawned the hit single "Shake and Dance with Me," which peaked at number five on the R&B charts. The band's infectious rhythms and catchy melodies quickly made them one of the most popular funk bands of the era.

Over the next decade, Con Funk Shun continued to release a string of successful albums and hit singles, including "Ffun," "Chase Me," and "Love's Train." But despite their success, the band struggled with internal conflicts and tensions, including substance abuse and creative differences.

In "Con Funk Shun," viewers get an inside look at the band's rise to fame and the challenges they faced along the way. Through interviews with band members, industry insiders, and fans, we learn about the band's creative process, their unique sound, and the impact they had on the funk and R&B landscape of the time.

We also hear about the personal struggles of some of the band members, including their battles with addiction and health issues, and how these challenges affected the band's dynamic and ultimately led to their breakup.

Throughout the episode, we are treated to rare footage of Con Funk Shun's electrifying live shows, as well as some of their most iconic music videos. We also get to hear from some of the band's biggest fans, including rapper Snoop Dogg, who credits Con Funk Shun with inspiring his own music.

"Con Funk Shun" is a must-see episode for fans of funk and R&B music, as well as anyone interested in the history of American music. It offers a fascinating look at one of the most important and influential bands of the 70s and 80s and the challenges they faced in their quest for artistic greatness.