BIOGRAPHY
The Bar-Kays were formed in 1966 as a backing band for the legendary Stax Records. The original lineup included James Alexander, Ben Cauley, Phalon Jones, Carl Cunningham, Ronnie Caldwell, and Jimmy King. The band's name was a play on the term "barricades," signifying a sense of unity and solidarity.
In the late 1960s, the Bar-Kays became the backing band for soul icon Otis Redding. Tragically, most of the original members of the Bar-Kays lost their lives in a plane crash on December 10, 1967, alongside Otis Redding. Ben Cauley was the sole survivor of the crash.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, James Alexander rebuilt the Bar-Kays with new members. The revitalized group continued to make music, shifting their sound toward funk and disco influences in the 1970s. They achieved success with hits like "Son of Shaft" and "Shake Your Rump to the Funk."
In the 1980s, the Bar-Kays experienced a resurgence with the funk and electro-funk movement. They scored chart-topping hits with songs like "Freakshow on the Dance Floor" and "Hit and Run." The band adapted to the changing musical landscape, incorporating elements of contemporary R&B and maintaining their energetic and danceable sound.
Over the years, the Bar-Kays have undergone lineup changes, but they have remained active in the music scene, releasing albums and performing live. Their contributions to the funk and soul genres have earned them a lasting place in the history of American music.
The Bar-Kays' enduring legacy is characterized by their ability to evolve with the times while staying true to their roots in soul and funk. Their influence can be heard in the work of subsequent generations of musicians, and they continue to be celebrated for their contributions to the vibrant landscape of R&B and funk music.