Monday, September 15, 2008

Yahoo LAUNCHCAST Song Of The Day-The Bar-Kays

Artist:The Bar-Kays
Song:Shine
Album:The Best Of Bar-Kays




The Bar-Kays were originally groomed to be a second house band at Stax Records in Memphis. They had an instrumental hit in 1967 with Soulfinger. But most of the band died in the tragic plane crash that also killed Otis Redding. Trumpeter Ben Cauley survived the crash and bassist James Alexander wasn't on the flight. Producer Allen Jones helped reform an all new Bar-Kays. They remained on Stax for a few years but moved to Mercury in 1976 and became one of the most popular funk bands of the late 70s. Their 1976 hit Shake Your Rump To The Funk started them on a string of success mostly on the R & B charts. They also toured with George Clinton. Their 1979 hit Shine reached #14 on the R & B singles chart. The Bar-Kays continued to have success into the 80s and split up in 1988 when Allen Jones died. This Mercury comp has all their hits. James Alexander reformed a version of The Bar-Kays in 1991 and they continue to tour today. His son Phalon Alexander is better known as hip hop producer Jazze Pha and is best known for his work with R & B singer Ciara. Here's The Bar-Kays performing Shine on Soul Train 1979.

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