Play That Funky Music

Rob Parissi penned the lyrics and melody for this anthem in roughly five minutes, a burst of inspiration that turned into a global phenomenon. Released in April 1976 as the debut single for the Cleveland-based group Wild Cherry, the track initially appeared on their own Sweet City label before Epic Records picked it up for national distribution. The recording features the core band lineup of Parissi on vocals, Bryan Bassett on guitar, Allen Wentz on bass, and Ron Beitle on drums. They augmented the sound with session trumpeters Chuck Berginc and Jack Brndiar to create the infectious horn riff that drives every verse.

The song blends raw funk energy with hard rock guitar riffs, creating a sonic bridge between the 1970s funk era and the emerging new wave sounds of the early 1980s. It climbed the charts rapidly upon release, reaching No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in September 1976. This success made it the band's only international top 10 hit and their signature song, earning a Gold certification from the RIAA. [edit]