The Bar-Kays

The Bar-Kays are an influential American funk, soul, and R&B group formed in 1966 in Memphis, Tennessee. The original members included James Alexander, Ben Cauley, Phalon Jones, Carl Cunningham, Jimmy King, and Ronnie Caldwell. Initially, they started as a studio backup band for Stax Records but gained fame when they were chosen by Otis Redding as his touring band in 1967. 

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Tragically, that same year, four members of the band died in a plane crash with Redding. Only Ben Cauley survived the crash, while James Alexander was on a different flight. Post-tragedy, the Bar-Kays were reformed with new members, including Larry Dodson and Winston Stewart. 

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In the late 1960s and 1970s, they became one of the most successful and influential funk bands, scoring hits with songs like "Soul Finger," "Son of Shaft," and "Shake Your Rump to the Funk." 

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The group underwent several personnel and stylistic changes over the decades, moving towards a more synthesizer-based sound in the 1980s. Despite these changes, they remained a popular and productive group, continuing to record and perform well into the 21st century. Their legacy has left a significant impact on American music, particularly in the genres of soul, funk, and R&B.