Get Up On That Funk and Maybe You Will Feel Better: The Impact of Funk

Our conversation this week features one of the great Funk Masters of our time Mr. Harvey Scales.  Joining Mr. Scales in our conversation is a band member who played trombone in a popular funk band back in the late 70’s early 80’s, Mr. Michael Rogers. Mr. Rogers played with the brother of the late great James Brown, Little Royal and the Swing Masters.

Mr. Scales led a rewarding and glorious music career.  He received national recognition for co-writing Billboard Hot 100 chart-topping single for Johnnie Taylor, "Disco Lady". "Disco Lady" was the very first platinum single in the history of the Recording Industry Association of America, selling over two million copies. It was certified platinum on April 22, 1976. As a result, Scales is the first songwriter of a platinum single in America.

Our second guest, Mr. Michael Rogers has also enjoyed a wonderful music career performing with Little Royal and The Swingmasters.  They are an American soul and R&B group and artist of the 1960-70's. Little Royal is half-brother of the late great James Brown. Little Royal and The Swingmasters were still performing in 2015 in spite of Little Royal's age of 81.

Other notable people who have performed with Little Royal include Teddy Pendergrass and Bobby Parker.[2]

Our guest will discuss the Funk legacy and the world of Black Music in general.