Funk, Inc.

Funk, Inc. – Fusion group. Formed in Indianapolis in 1969, Funk, Inc. was an organ-led fusion group that played a blend of soul jazz and funk. The group’s founder was Ohio-native Bobby Watley (organist), and the other members were Gene Barry (tenor saxophonist), Steve Weakley (guitarist), Jimmy Munford (drummer and vocalist), and Cecil Hunt (conga player). On the recommendation of funky organist Jack McDuff, Funk, Inc. signed a record deal with Prestige in 1971 and recorded five albums with them before breaking up in 1976. A well-known lively band throughout the Midwest, Funk, Inc. migrated to a more mellow smooth approach by the time of it disbandment. Along with Cecil and a group of new players, Watley resurrected Funk, Inc. to record a new album Urban Renewal in 1995.