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The Bar-Kays began as a powerful backing band for the World Renowned Stax Recording Company, which led them to eventually record their own hit single "Soul Finger" in 1967. Just as their career was beginning to take off, all of the Bar-Kays except bassist James Alexander and trumpeter Ben Cauley were tragically killed in a plane crash that also claimed the life of innovative recording artist Otis Redding.
After a period of mourning this great loss, Alexander reformed the group which supported Isaac Hayes on his classic "Hot Buttered Soul," "Shaft," "Movement," and "To Be Continued" LPs. The high profile of the Hayes records displayed the Bar-Kay's powerful musical ability which also assured upper mobility of the group's career. Then they came back with "Son Of Shaft" in 1971, a top 10 hit. Now consisting of Alexander (bass) with Willie Hall (drums), Winston Stewart (organ), Barry Wilkins (guitar), Vernon Burch (guitar), Harvey Henderson (sax) and (vocalist) Larry Dodson, the Bar-Kays developed an unstoppable reputation as a fierce live outfit with powerful concert performances known all over the world, which was briefly documented on the Wattstax concert.
Once the Bar-Kays were free to record for a new label, they quickly signed to Mercury Records. "Shake Your Rump To The Funk" kicked off a long string of popularity for the band, reaching 5 in 1976. For the rest of their career, they became expert stylists and funk musical icons; doing their variation on new styles, while setting trends as they progressed . As time moved on, the style and longevity of the Bar-Kays also guaranteed additional chart presence in the form of hit singles like "Let's Have Some Fun," "Move Your Boogie Body," "Hit And Run," and "She Talks To Me With Her Body" took them from the disco era through the techno-funk of the early 80s. In 1978, a forgotten session from Stax, "Holy Ghost," was released and became a funk classic, despite being completed nearly four years earlier.
They even to the advent of rap music with "Freakshow On the Dance Floor," a song from the "Breakin'" soundtrack that was their biggest hit, peaking at 2. The jams kept coming: "Your Place Or Mine," "Certified True," and even their stab at go-go, "Struck By You." They kept touring but recorded less frequently in the 90's. However in 2004 - Still, the band marches on, representing Memphis soul as they have for the past four decades with their newest alblum release that has gained successful reviews and promises to be yet another smash Album entitled (THE REAL THING)
Channel 13 Interview with Larry Dodson
