The Groovers

The Sound of Modern Funk

The Groovers emerged from the vibrant Los Angeles music scene in 1985, bringing with them a fresh interpretation of funk that would eventually earn them three Grammy Awards and cement their status as one of the most influential funk collectives of their generation. Founded by bassist Marcus Thompson and drummer Elena Davis, the nine-piece ensemble quickly distinguished themselves through their commitment to authentic instrumentation and high-energy live performances.

What sets The Groovers apart in today's music landscape is their unwavering dedication to the analog warmth that defined the golden era of funk. While many contemporary artists rely heavily on digital production, The Groovers record using vintage equipment, creating a sound that transports listeners back to the heyday of Parliament-Funkadelic and Earth, Wind & Fire, while maintaining a distinctly modern edge.

Their breakthrough came with the 1992 album "Groove Revolution," which spent 34 weeks on the Billboard R&B charts and earned them their first Grammy nomination. The follow-up, "Funky Town" (1995), won the Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, establishing The Groovers as major players in the neo-funk movement.

"We don't just play funk music; we live it. Every note, every rhythm comes from a place of genuine love for the genre and respect for its pioneers." — James 'Funky' Brown, Lead Vocals

Over their four-decade career, The Groovers have released 12 studio albums, each exploring different facets of the funk genre while maintaining their signature sound. Their latest release, "Midnight Sessions" (2026), represents a return to their roots with raw, unfiltered funk tracks recorded entirely on analog tape at Soul Labels' legendary Los Angeles studio.

The band's live performances have become the stuff of legend, with their annual residency at the Apollo Theater selling out within minutes year after year. Their shows are marathons of musical excellence, often extending past three hours, featuring extended jams, audience participation, and surprise guest appearances from funk royalty.