The Meters, a groundbreaking funk band from New Orleans, revolutionized the genre with their infectious grooves and tight rhythms, earning a lasting legacy despite limited mainstream success. Known for their iconic tracks like "Cissy Strut," they played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of funk and influencing generations of musicians across multiple genres.
The Meters were an influential American funk band formed in 1965 in New Orleans. Their unique style combined tight melodic grooves with syncopated New Orleans "second line" rhythms. Although they did not achieve major mainstream success, they were highly influential on other musicians and are considered one of the most sampled groups in hip-hop. The original lineup consisted of Art Neville on keyboards and vocals, George Porter Jr. on bass, Zigaboo Modeliste on drums, and Leo Nocentelli on guitar.
The Meters were considered pioneers of funk music, along with artists like James Brown. Their music was rooted in the rich cultural tradition of New Orleans, influenced by R&B, jazz, and the distinctive second line parade rhythms of the region. Their telepathic musical communication and locked-in yet loose groove established them as a cornerstone of New Orleans music history.
The band served as the house band for Allen Toussaint's Sansu Enterprises label and backed artists like Lee Dorsey, Robert Palmer, Dr. John, and Allen Toussaint. Their instrumental hits "Cissy Strut" and "Look-Ka Py Py" remain funk classics.
Some of the key albums include:- The Meters (1969)- Look-Ka Py Py (1969)- Rejuvenation (1974)- Fire on the Bayou (1975)- New Directions (1977)
Their first singles "Sophisticated Cissy" and "Cissy Strut" in 1969 reached the R&B and pop charts, highlighting their prowess in instrumental improvisation.
The Meters shared their talent through various collaborations:- Dr. John on his hit album In the Right Place (1973)- Performed at Paul McCartney's Venus and Mars album release party in 1975- Opened for the Rolling Stones on their 1975 and 1976 tours
The original lineup disbanded in 1980, with various reunions and offshoots in later years, such as The Funky Meters. Despite their lack of mainstream success, The Meters were inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2010 and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018. They were nominated four times for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and were hailed as "the finest performing American band" by Rolling Stone in 1976.
Their profound impact on the music industry continues to resonate, influencing countless musicians and genres.
