DESCRIPTION:
The Musical group from the Bahamas made history when they recorded the first million selling hit record "Funky Nassau" coming out of The Bahamas. The Group members were Raphael Munnings (organ and vocals) Leroy Munnings (Guitar) Frank (Bud) Drums and Fred Henfield Bass. Dark years, new light
The heyday of over-the-hill clubs faded in the late 1960s as hoteliers sought new ways to attract and keep customer occupied. They stayed open later and hired entertainers to perform exclusively in their lounges, forcing an end to many of the local bars and night spots.

But, the Bahamian spirit of music-making was unstoppable. A generation of younger musicians found their ways to attract listeners.

In 1969, a group led by members of the well-known Munnings family produced the first international smash hit for aspiring Bahamian musicians.

An energetic band called The Beginning of the End-featuring the vibrant voice f Raphael "Ray" Munnings, with his brothers Leroy on guitar and Frank on drums-put The Bahamas on the world stage again.

The band's smash hit, Funky Nassau, zoomed up pop charts around the world, selling more than a million copies.

Locally, Charles Carter supported the song on his radio show. Today, Carter's station is devoted to Bahamian music, much to the satisfaction of a growing audience.

Unfortunately, The Beginning of the End was appropriately named as the band was unable to capitalize on its success and disbanded in 1975.

This marked the end of the soft, subdued sound of traditional Bahamian music. Goombay, rock and roll and funk were the new order of the day, says Munnings. Younger musicians embraced the sound and energy of modern music.

Bahamans have learned that gaining and maintaining worldwide recognition is a daunting task.

"Competition is fierce and audiences seldom remain faithful to a specific sound or entertainer," says Munnings. "Musicians have to constantly reinvent themselves while pursuing relentless public appearance schedules if they hope to top the charts for any length of time."