Prince Unleashed: The Iconic ‘Play that Funky Music’ Cover

Title: Prince Unleashed: The Iconic ‘Play That Funky Music’ Cover

Prince, one of the most iconic musicians of all time, is known for his innovative music and genre-defying sound. His ability to take on songs and make them his own has earned him a place as one of the greatest musical artists in history. One of his most memorable moments came when he unleashed a stunning cover of “Play That Funky Music”—a track originally by Wild Cherry. This cover, packed with Prince’s signature funk and groove, brought new life to the classic and showcased his unparalleled artistry.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into Prince’s iconic cover of “Play That Funky Music,” explore its musical elements, and discuss why this rendition remains one of the most memorable covers in modern music history.

The Origins of “Play That Funky Music“

Before Prince put his own spin on the track, “Play That Funky Music” by Wild Cherry was already an iconic tune in the late ’70s. Released in 1976, it became an instant hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song was a fusion of rock and funk, which quickly made it a favorite in the dance clubs and on the airwaves.

The original version of the song, driven by its infectious bass line and catchy brass sections, became the quintessential anthem of the funky disco era. But in typical Prince fashion, he took this well-loved hit and completely reimagined it.

Prince’s Approach to the Song

When Prince decided to cover “Play That Funky Music,” he didn’t just perform the song as it was. Instead, he injected his signature style of funk, soul, and rock into the track, transforming it into something entirely his own. His version, which was released as part of his “The Hits 1” compilation album in 1993, added his funky guitar riffs, smooth falsetto vocals, and rhythmic basslines—elements that became synonymous with his sound.

Prince’s rendition opens with a slinky bassline, setting the tone for the track. His guitar work is bold and edgy, taking the song’s original rock influences to new heights. He adds layers of synths and funk grooves that create an unmistakable atmosphere—one that’s immediately recognizable as Prince. His funk mastery is on full display, taking a song that was already funky and cranking it up several notches.

Vocal Mastery and Musical Complexity

While Wild Cherry’s original version was funky and fun, Prince’s cover brings a whole new level of vocal and musical complexity. His falsetto, which became one of his most iconic vocal traits, is on full display here. He takes the lead vocals and infuses them with a sense of passion and sensuality, giving the song an entirely new edge.

Prince’s musicianship shines throughout the track. He plays all the instruments himself, adding in his signature guitar solos and intricate keyboard lines. Every element of the cover—from the punchy horns to the groovy bass and rhythmic drums—feels like a deliberate and masterful choice to showcase his unparalleled ability to fuse genres like funk, rock, and pop into one cohesive sound.

Why This Cover is So Iconic

Prince’s cover of “Play That Funky Music” stands out for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s a testament to his genius as a musician and a producer. By reinterpreting the song, Prince not only paid homage to Wild Cherry’s original, but he also elevated it to a whole new level, making it fresh for a new generation of listeners.

Secondly, it showcases Prince’s ability to blend genres in a way that few artists can. His mastery of funk, soul, rock, and pop is evident in every note, and his fearless approach to music allowed him to take risks and innovate in ways that made his version of “Play That Funky Music” feel completely fresh, yet familiar at the same time.

Moreover, the release of this cover in 1993 came at a time when Prince was continuing to evolve as an artist. It was a period of reinvention, where he was pushing boundaries and exploring new creative territory. This cover, along with his other works during this time, solidified his reputation as a musical icon who could do it all—from producing catchy hits to creating complex, genre-bending music.

The Lasting Legacy of Prince’s “Play That Funky Music”

Prince’s cover of “Play That Funky Music” continues to be remembered as one of his most iconic reimaginations. It highlights his ability to take an established song and make it undeniably his own, while still honoring the essence of the original. Prince’s contribution to the music world is immeasurable, and this cover is just one example of his endless talent and innovation.

Even though Wild Cherry’s version remains beloved by many, Prince’s cover is often cited as the definitive version for funk fans. His distinct sound and musical prowess turned this fun and funky anthem into something more—a testament to the power of reinvention and the timeless nature of great music.

Conclusion

Prince’s cover of “Play That Funky Music” is a perfect example of his genius as a musician, producer, and performer. With his unparalleled musical talent, he took an already iconic song and transformed it into something fresh and unforgettable. His bold interpretation and unique flair ensured that this cover would stand the test of time, remaining a memorable moment in music history.

As we look back at Prince’s legacy, his cover of “Play That Funky Music” serves as a reminder of his ability to take risks, challenge the norms, and push boundaries—forever leaving an indelible mark on the world of music.

Lyrics: Play That Funky Music 

Hey, do it now

Hey, once I was a boogie singer
Playin’ in a rock-and-roll band
I never had no problems
Burnin’ down the one-night stands

And everything around me
Got to start to feelin’ so low
And I decided quickly
Yes, I did
To disco down and check out the show

Yeah they were dancin’ and singin’
And movin’ to the groovin’
And just when it hit me
Somebody turned around and shouted

“Play that funky music, white boy
Play that funky music right
Play that funky music, white boy
Lay down that boogie
And play that funky music ’til you die.”

‘Til you die?

I tried to understand this
I thought that they were out of their minds
How could I be so foolish
To not see I was the one behind

So still I kept on fighting
Well, losing every step by the way
… we can do
I said, I must go back there
I got to go back
And check to see if things still the same

When they were dancin’ and singin’
And movin’ to the groovin’
And just when it hit me
Somebody turned around and shouted

“Play that funky music, white boy
Play that funky music right
Play that funky music, white boy
Lay down that boogie
And play that funky music ’til you die.”

‘Til you die?
Oh, ’til you die

Gonna play some electrified funky music

Hey, wait a minute

Now first it wasn’t easy
Changing rock-and-rolling minds
And things were gettin’ shaky
I thought I’d have to leave it behind

Oh, but now it’s so much better (it’s so much better)
I’m funking out in every way
But I’ll never lose that feelin’ (you know, I won’t)
Of how I learned my lesson that day

When they were dancin’ and singin’
And movin’ to the groovin’
And just when it hit me
Somebody turned around and shouted

“Play that funky music, white boy
Play that funky music right
Play that funky music, white boy
Lay down that boogie
And play that funky music ’til you die.”

‘Til you die?
Oh, ’til you die

They shouted

“Play that funky music
Play that funky music
Play that funky music
You got to keep on playin’ funky music
Play that funky music
Play that funky music
Play that funky music
Gonna take you high and low.”

“Play that funky music, white boy
Play that funky music right
Play that funky music, white boy
Play that funky music right

Play that funky music, white boy
Play that funky music right
Play that funky music, white boy
Play that funky music right.”