Dennis Coffey on The Funk Brothers, Scorpio and Self-Reliance | Red Bull Music Academy — DeepCutsArchive

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Dennis Coffey on The Funk Brothers, Scorpio and Self-Reliance | Red Bull Music Academy — DeepCutsArchive

► Subscribe to Red Bull Music Academy: https://win.gs/SubscribeRBMA Dennis Coffey is the guitarist behind hundreds of hits from the golden days of Detroit soul and funk. Guitarist and songwriter Dennis Coffey talked about his early gigs in Detroit, why the Funk Brothers were “the epitome of the best band” and the importance of self-reliance in his RBMA Barcelona 2008 Lecture. ► https://www.redbullmusicacademy.com/lectures/dennis-coffey-six-string-horoscope #DennisCoffey #motown #RedBullMusicAcademy __________________________ He was the man Norman Whitfield recruited to bring Motown into the psychedelic era, injecting wah-wah and disorienting effects into the work of artists such as The Temptations, Edwin Starr and The Supremes. He also smashed into the charts under his own name – of particular note is the now-classic breakbeat track “Scorpio” – composed Blaxploitation soundtracks and went on to fill disco dancefloors. TOPICS: 1:27 – Early Detroit 12:47 – Funk Brothers 24:20 – Solo records 29:52 – Los Angeles 36:18 – Disco 41:00 – Self-reliance MUSIC: 1:09 – Dennis Coffey – “Getting It On” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PNDk50W9Tg 14:00 – The Temptations – “Cloud Nine” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BdhhQayeWw 17:27 – Dennis Coffey – guitar demo 21:14 – The Temptations – “Ball Of Confusion” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmRsWdK0PRI 26:22 – Dennis Coffey – “Scorpio” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBn_oUH8Uo0 37:40 – CJ & Company – “We Got Our Own Thing” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXmKIW0n2Lo The Red Bull Music Academy is a global music institution committed to fostering creativity in music. We celebrate music, its culture, and the transformative minds behind it. Begun in 1998, the Academy has taken the core principles that underlie its annual workshop for selected participants and applied this curatorial approach to events, lectures, and city-wide festivals throughout the year. ► Visit Red Bull TV: http://win.gs/1uy4YFF ► Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://win.gs/SubscribeRBMA ► Visit our official website: http://win.gs/avjLrK ► Our latest videos on YouTube: http://bit.ly/12nkX7h ► Follow us on Twitter: http://bit.ly/Lx4wQy ► Like us on Facebook: http://on.fb.me/12N5Ch0

About This Footage

This 53-minute clip from the Red Bull Music Academy's Barcelona 2008 Lecture is a treasure trove of insight into the life and career of Dennis Coffey, a guitarist who has been instrumental in shaping the sound of Detroit soul and funk. The footage is notable for its candid discussion on Coffey's experiences as a studio musician, his work with the legendary Funk Brothers, and his own solo endeavors.

One of the most fascinating aspects of this clip is Coffey's recollections about his early days in Detroit, where he began gigging at the age of 15. His stories provide a glimpse into the vibrant music scene of the time, which was marked by innovation and experimentation. As Coffey himself notes, the Funk Brothers were "the epitome of the best band," and their influence can still be felt today.

The clip also delves into Coffey's work with Norman Whitfield, who recruited him to bring Motown into the psychedelic era. This collaboration resulted in some truly groundbreaking music, as evidenced by tracks like "Cloud Nine" and "Ball Of Confusion." Coffey's guitar work on these recordings is nothing short of masterful, showcasing his ability to seamlessly blend different styles and genres.

In addition to his work with the Temptations, Coffey also shares his experiences as a solo artist. His 1971 hit single "Scorpio" is still widely popular today, and its breakbeat track has become a staple of funk and disco music. The clip features an excerpt from this iconic song, which demonstrates Coffey's versatility as both a guitarist and songwriter.

One of the most interesting aspects of this footage is Coffey's discussion on self-reliance in the music industry. As he notes, being able to record and produce one's own material is essential for success. This sentiment is echoed by his work with CJ & Company, where he co-wrote and produced the hit single "We Got Our Own Thing." The clip also touches on Coffey's experiences working in Los Angeles, where he contributed to various Blaxploitation soundtracks.

Throughout this lecture, Coffey comes across as a humble and insightful individual who is deeply passionate about his craft. His stories offer a unique perspective on the music industry of the 1960s and 1970s, highlighting the importance of innovation and experimentation in shaping the sound of soul and funk.

The Red Bull Music Academy's commitment to fostering creativity in music is evident in this clip, which provides an intimate look into Coffey's life and career. As a rare and candid discussion with one of the most influential guitarists of his generation, this footage is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of soul and funk music.

In conclusion, this clip from the Red Bull Music Academy's Barcelona 2008 Lecture is an invaluable resource for music enthusiasts and scholars alike. It offers a unique glimpse into the life and career of Dennis Coffey, one of the most influential guitarists of his generation. The footage provides insight into his experiences as a studio musician, his work with the Funk Brothers, and his own solo endeavors, making it an essential watch for anyone interested in the history of soul and funk music.

Editorial context researched and compiled from verified sources.