Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd St Rhythm Band

Funk and Soul Pioneers of the 1960s and 70s

Funk band, formed in the mid-1960's in Los Angeles, California. Successful both as a backing group to others (most prominent of them being Bill Cosby) as well as a group in their own right, best known for their 1970-hit Express Yourself. Post Soul Runners The original line-up comprised of bandleader Charles Wright (vocals, guitar, piano), Al McKay (guitar), Gabe Flemings (piano, trumpet), Melvin Dunlap (bass), James Gadson (drums), John Rayford and Bill Cannon (both sax), and Ray Jackson (trombone). McKay left in 1969 to join Earth, Wind & Fire and was replaced by Benorce Blackmon. Initially, the band was known as The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band, from 1969 on they recorded as Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band. The group was disbanded when Dunlap, Gadson, Jackson and Blackmon went on to work with Bill Withers in 1972. Charles Wright then embarked on a solo career.