Soul Power (Pt.1 / Single Version)

Recorded on January 26, 1971, during an overnight session at Rodel Studios in Washington, D.C., with James Brown on lead vocals and the J.B.'s providing instrumental backing. The ensemble included Bobby Byrd on organ and backing vocals, Bootsy Collins on bass, Phelps 'Catfish' Collins on guitar, John 'Jabo' Starks on drums, Fred Wesley on trombone and St. Clair Pinckney on tenor saxophone. Released in March 1971 on King Records as a three-part single, 'Soul Power' reached number three on Billboard's Best Selling Soul Singles chart and number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its extended rhythmic structure, interlocking bass and guitar patterns, and commanding vocal delivery exemplified Brown's increasingly influential approach to ensemble performance. The recording became an influential source of material for hip-hop producers and DJs, particularly through its distinctive bassline, horn accents and drum patterns. An extended edit appeared on the 1986 compilation In the Jungle Groove, while the complete studio performance was released on Funk Power 1970: A Brand New Thang in 1996.