Home » Jazz Articles » Radio & Podcasts » The Headhunters

The Headhunters

By Lawrence Peryer | Spotlight On
November 26, 2022
Sign in to view read count

We’re not in a gym, this isn’t a competition… this is art. What Bill and I and The Headhunters do is experience the moment and explore. After the count, we’re in that moment, and there is no other. This is an act of passion, of love for humanity, and for our planet.
—Mike Clark

Click the play button to listen

Back in the early '70s, drummer Mike Clark and bassist Paul Jackson were best friends living in East Oakland, playing flatbed gigs at Black Panther rallies, and generally raising hell. Cooking was not their forte, so the barbecue joint next door became a hangout. Mrs. Jones (of Everett and Jones) asked them to write a song to promote the spot, and they came up with the first version of "God Made Me Funky." Bill Summers worked with Jackson at the local record store, and he jumped at an opportunity to open a show for Herbie Hancock in the Bay Area. He got the call to audition for Herbie's band, joining Herbie for the album Headhunters (Columbia Records) and many more. Mike and Bill talk about the latest Headhunters release, Speakers in the House (Ropeadope Records/Devil Hills Entertainment) and a whole lot more.

< Previous
I Hear Music

Next >
Eurythmia

Comments

About Headhunters

Instrument: Band / ensemble / orchestra

Tags

For the Love of Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help

To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.