wonderwheel recordings

Wonderwheel’s Wonderful World: A Groovy History of Soul, Funk, and More

Wonderwheel Recordings is a label that embodies the soulful spirit of the 60s and 70s, with a catalog that weaves through genres like soul, funk, R&B, and psychedelic soul. It’s a sonic tapestry brimming with grooves, heartfelt lyrics, and a dash of the unexpected.

A Soulful Journey Begins:

The roots of Wonderwheel’s music run deep into the fertile ground of American soul music. This genre, born from the fusion of gospel, rhythm & blues, and jazz, surged in the 50s and 60s, driven by iconic artists like Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, and Aretha Franklin. It was a music of hope, heartbreak, and resilience, resonating with the struggles and triumphs of the African-American experience.

Funk’s Funky Rise:

By the late 60s and early 70s, funk exploded onto the scene, bringing its own brand of groove-laden rhythm and social commentary. Think James Brown, Sly and the Family Stone, and Parliament. Funk was danceable, rebellious, and often unapologetically funky. It was a musical reflection of the changing times, infused with elements of jazz, soul, and even rock.

Wonderwheel’s Place in the Groove:

Wonderwheel emerged as a haven for artists who blended these soulful and funky influences. Their roster featured artists like The Delfonics, known for their smooth harmonies and hits like “La-La (Means I Love You)” and “Didn’t I Blow Your Mind This Time.” Then there was The Meters, a band that brought the rhythmic heart of New Orleans to the funk scene, with their iconic tracks “Cissy Strut” and “Hey Pocky A-Way.” Wonderwheel artists weren’t afraid to experiment, fusing elements of psychedelia, jazz, and even Latin rhythms into their music.

Funny Facts and Funky Footnotes:

• The Delfonics‘s “La-La (Means I Love You)” was originally intended to be a song about a train! The lyrics were changed at the last minute, making it a soulful love ballad.
• The Meters‘s Leo Nocentelli once revealed that he was a fan of the Monkees and enjoyed their pop sound. Who knew the funk master had a soft spot for bubblegum pop?
• The Isley Brothers, another Wonderwheel artist, were so successful in the 60s that they actually got their own cartoon series!

Wonderwheel’s Legacy:

Wonderwheel Recordings played a crucial role in shaping the sound of soul, funk, and R&B. Their artists became iconic figures, their music influencing generations of musicians and inspiring countless dance moves. Today, Wonderwheel’s catalog continues to be celebrated, a testament to the enduring power of soulful grooves.

This is just a glimpse into the groovy world of Wonderwheel Recordings. There’s a whole lot more to discover, from the smooth vocals of The Stylistics to the soulful grooves of The Whispers. So, put on your dancing shoes, crank up the volume, and get ready to be swept away by the magic of Wonderwheel music.