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Dyke & the Blazers

Dyke & the Blazers is a former American funk band.

The Buffalo band Dyke & the Blazers picked up on the rhythms, bass and organ innovations of James Brown's band and released "Funky Broadway - Part I" in 1967, the first black dance single with the name "Funky" in the title. "Funky Broadway" was later covered by Wilson Pickett, resulting in a #1 R&B hit.

Originally from Buffalo, New York, the band got stranded in Phoenix, Arizona while backing the O'Jays. "Funky Broadway" was inspired by the club scene present at the time on Broadway Road in Phoenix.

Frontman and vocalist Arlester "Dyke" Christian (born 1943, Brooklyn, New York) was shot to death in 1971 at the height of the band's success. The grooves were put down by former Bill Withers drummer James Gadson.

References

Vincent, Rickey (1996). Funk: The Music, The People, and The Rhythm of The One. St. Martin's Press. ISBN 0-312-13499-1.