The Bar-Kays
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The Bar-Kays have endured as one of the longest-running funk and soul groups of all time. Formed in Memphis as a studio session group backing Otis Redding and Isaac Hayes at Stax Records, they charted dozens of singles from the 1960s to the 1980s, including "Soul Finger," and entered the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2015.
Despite unimaginable obstacles, the Bar-Kays have endured as one of the longest-running funk and soul groups of all time. They began in Memphis, Tennessee, as a studio session group at Stax Records, backing major artists like Otis Redding and Isaac Hayes. The band went on to have dozens of charting singles from the 1960s to the 1980s, including "Soul Finger" (Billboard Hot 100 No. 17, R&B No. 3) in 1967, "Son of Shaft" (R&B No. 10) in 1972 and "Boogie Body Land" (R&B No. 7) in 1980.The Bar-Kays were inducted into the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2015.
Despite unimaginable obstacles, the Bar-Kays have endured as one of the longest-running funk and soul groups of all time. They began in Memphis, Tennessee, as a studio session group, backing major artists at Stax Records like Otis Redding and Isaac Hayes.
The band would go on to have dozens of charting singles from the 1960s to the 1980s, including "Soul Finger" (US Billboard Hot 100 number 17, R&B number 3) in 1967, "Son of Shaft" (R&B number 10) in 1972, and "Boogie Body Land" (R&B number 7) in 1980.
The Bar-Kays were inducted into the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2015; and have endured as one of the longest-running funk and soul groups ever. In 2024, the band will be celebrating its 60th Anniversary.
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Press quotes
“A group who more or less defined the Funk sound”
Quick facts
- Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame inductees, 2015
- Backed Otis Redding and Isaac Hayes at Stax Records
- "Soul Finger": Hot 100 No. 17, R&B No. 3 (1967)
- Dozens of charting singles, 1960s to 1980s
- Hometown: Memphis, Tennessee
- Genre: funk and soul
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Materials updated October 2026