Bill Curtis, founder, drummer, and CEO of Fatback Band, claims that the band played a significant role in shaping popular music. From pioneering line dancing to introducing hip-hop and house music, Fatback’s influence is undeniable. In fact, their 1979 B-side “King Tim III (Personality Jock)” is considered the first rap record, preceding Sugarhill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight.”
Despite their achievements, Curtis and fellow founding member Gerry Thomas do not express bitterness. During our meeting at a Travelodge in Hounslow, London, where the band has been performing at the Jazz Cafe, both men exude good cheer. They first met in 1967 while playing in a band in Queens, New York, and have since formed a strong bond.
Curtis, now 91 years old, describes his drumming style as a combination of his own unique style, a New Orleans beat he learned in the military, and the West Indian steel pan rhythms he encountered in New York. Nicknamed “Fatback” after a bandleader requested his “greasy, fatback drums,” Curtis is known as one of the finest funky drummers in popular music.
In the late 1960s, Curtis set up House of Fatback, a booking agency and record label that operated until 1992. This establishment allowed people to hire various bands, order soul food, and even book go-go dancers for their events. The Fatback Band formed from musicians associated with House of Fatback. The street funk sound of their early albums in the 1970s impressed audiences and served as a blueprint for later developments in rap and house music.
Their relationship with the UK began when Thomas witnessed the success of Fatback’s song “Wicky Wacky” in a Liverpool club. He reached out to Curtis, suggesting they organize dates in England. Fatback would go on to have six UK Top 40 hits in the 1970s and 1980s, including the chart-topping “(Do the) Spanish Hustle” in 1976 and the anthemic “I Found Lovin'” in 1987.
Fatback’s music has been sampled by notable artists like Kendrick Lamar and Björk, solidifying their legacy. Although Curtis wishes that all artists who sample their music would pay them, he often has to resort to legal action to protect their rights.
To ensure that their early albums on Perception Records receive proper recognition, Fatback has taken control of their business affairs. Ace Records will be reissuing these albums alongside their Spring LPs in the coming months. Additionally, their contribution to early NYC rap will be featured on a new compilation called “Dollar Bill Y’All.”
Despite being overlooked in the US, Fatback continues to attract a dedicated fanbase, particularly in the UK. Their music lives on through different generations of fans who appreciate their timeless sound. As Curtis aptly puts it, “British audiences are the best. They’re loyal.”
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