"Where there's smoke there is fire," the
saying goes. But where there's smoke and fire, it just might be a live
performance by a certain funkomaniac group of Memphians who have been
setting audiences ablaze for the past three decades.
Fire, smoke, vibrant costuming, and even a live, 12 foot Python snake
are all just part of what's in store for audiences these days at a
typical stage performance by the Barkays. Spontaneity and excitement
have been the group's trademark since its inception in the late
60s. Today's Barkays have boosted their high-energy act into even
higher gear for the new millennium crowd.
While the musical tastes of the fans have evolved many times since the
band's origination, the Barkays have proven no stranger to evolution.
Beginning as a house band with Stax Records in Memphis in 1966, their
potent, dynamic sound carried them to a chart-topping perch the very
next year with their first smash single, "Soul
Finger". It was that dynamism that landed them the spot as
the backup group for the legendary "soul" singer Otis Redding
on his finale, as Redding and four members of the band tragically
perished in a plane accident.
The young surviving members, James Alexander and Ben Cauley, reformed
the band, with the help of Allen Jones who became their producer and
manager. Among those recruited would be Larry Dodson, who would evolve
into not only another pillar of the band (as well as lead singer), but
the corner stone of their future. Soon the new Barkays were the premiere
house band for Stax Records.
Throughout the '70's, while backing up some of the most distinguished
names in A & B music, The Barkays also ran a string of their own
hits pioneering a trail in the "funk" music genre, including
"Move Your Boogie Body", "Anticipation", "Holy Ghost", "Hit and Run", "She Talks To Me With Her Body"
and many others.
With a career total of 27 LP's, including 5 gold and 1 platinum, 37
single releases and 28 Top Ten singles, the Barkays can expect to add to
those figures, and expand on their legendary status.
The Barkays are currently riding high on the success of their 27th
career album entitled "The Real Thing," which has produced two
hit singles "You're My Joy" and their new single
"We
Can't Stay Together" which features a duet with the diva of soul,
Shirley Brown.
Presently on tour performing to sell out audiences, the Barkays continue
to amaze all. To add to their many accolades and achievements, the
Barkays were recently requested to join the roster of rock and roll
legends by adding garments of their stage wardrobe and a select piece of
equipment into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
