Headhunters

The Headhunters

by Lawrence Peryer
November 26, 2022

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 ...

Headhunters: On Top: Live in Europe

by Mark F. Turner
October 31, 2008

It's been said that true funk can be imitated but never duplicated. But in the case of the Headhunters's 2 CD live recording On Top, the band--named after Herbie Hancock's 1973 groundbreaking release, Head Hunters (Columbia)--continues to uphold the groove. Master percussionist Bill Summers, one of the original members since the 1970s, has kept the essence of Hancock's music alive through various releases including 2003's Evolution Revolution (Basin Street Records). Recorded in Paris, France, this live document ...

Headhunters: Evolution Revolution

by C. Michael Bailey
June 25, 2003

The Headhunters have the previous distinction of being the strongest early component of Herbie Hancock's slick vision of jazz-fusion coupled with popular sensibilities. The band's association with Hancock resulted in 1973's Head Hunters, a disc that outsold the previously invincible Bitches Brew by Miles Davis. HeadHunters represented the apex of Hancock's fusion vision and the band, subsequently known as the Headhunters, was to return for four additional recordings by the pianist.

As a “solo" act, the Headhunters have also met ...

Jazz Legends The Headhunters Featuring Founding Members Mike Clark And Bill Summers To Play West Coast Dates

Source: Glass Onyon PR - William James
April 27, 2014

New York, NY: The Headhunters have redefined modern funk, world music, and jazz as one of the most innovative groups in history. They recorded for several years with legendary pianist Herbie Hancock, representing a major turning point for Hancock with the formation of this popular band in 1973. The Columbia album Head Hunters became extremely popular, fusing jazz with funk and rock, the album sold over a million copies and attracted many R&B and rock fans, even out— selling Miles ...
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Something Else! Interview: Percussionist Bill Summers, of the Headhunters

Source: Something Else!
June 9, 2011

The Headhunters, who with Herbie Hancock crafted jazz music's first platinum release, return this month with an aptly titled new project—Platinum. In 2003, their million-selling 1973 debut Head Hunters was ranked No. 498 in Rolling Stone's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. Led by longtime drummer Mike Clark and percussionist Bill Summers, the Headhunters had later stand-alone success after Hancock's departure—producing the dance anthem “God Make Me Funky," one of the most sampled fusion songs in history. ...
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Something Else! Sneak Peek: The Headhunters, "Tracie" (2011)

Source: Something Else!
May 3, 2011

The Headhunters have completed an ambitious new jazz release—one that continues to push the edges of fusion, incorporating hip hop and funk with the presence of Snoop Dogg and George Clinton, yet still retains the band's fonky core sound. That's perhaps nowhere better heard than on this standout track from Platinum, to be issued by the Owl Studios label on June 14. The Latin-tinged “Tracie" begins with a bass line from Richie Goods that sounds like a question mark, surrounded ...
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The Headhunters' "Platinum" Set for 6/14 on Owl, Bravura CD Features Snoop Dogg, George Clinton

Source: Seth Cohen PR
April 25, 2011

Bridging Genres and Generations: A Hip-Hop Album for Jazz Fans, A Jazz Album for Hip- Hop Fans—The Legendary Headhunters Deliver a Bravura Collection Platinum is Set for June 14th Release by Owl Studios Guest Artists Include Snoop Dogg, George Clinton, Killah Priest, Jaecyn Bayne, Private Pile and More The Legendary Headhunters have delivered a dramatic, sweeping new CD that bridges genres and generations, as it deftly moves from Hip-Hop to Jazz to Funk to Rap to R & B. Under ...
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The Headhunters, 'Platinum' (Feb 2011) features Snoop Dogg, George Clinton, Patrice Rushen, and many more...

Source: Ethan Shorter
October 26, 2010

Herbie Hancock's 'Headhunters' (1973) was the first Jazz record ever to go Platinum. Well The Headhunters (Mike Clark, Bill Summers, Donald Harrison, Richie Goods, Kyle Rousell) have teamed up with New Orleans based Avant Soul Duo, The Mumbles to do a 10-date East Coast tour in support of both bands' forthcoming releases.

Nov 3rd :: Brooklyn Bowl—Brooklyn NY Nov 4th :: Club Metronome—Burlington, VT Nov 5th :: Iron Horse Music Hall—Northampton, MA Nov 6th :: Northstar Bar—Philadelphia, PA Nov 7th ...
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Owl Studios Readies Headhunters CD Featuring Snoop Dogg, George Clinton

Source: Seth Cohen PR
October 19, 2010

As New Owl Studios CD Featuring Snoop Dogg, George Clinton & Others is Readied, The Legendary Headhunters Announce U.S. Tour “A true fusion of Hip Hop, Jazz, Rap, Salsa, Rock, New Orleans, African rhythm and its classical forms" Jazz/funk/fusion legends THE HEADHUNTERS have announced a U.S. tour for November, with stops in NY, VT, MA, PA, ME, VA and NC. The seminal band is currently finalizing tracks for a compelling new CD, 'Platinum,' which will be released early next year ...
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Herbie Hancock's "Headhunters" Among Cultural Treasures

Source: All About Jazz
May 14, 2008

Library of Congress Cultural Treasures

The best-selling pop album on planet Earth and a disc sent hurtling into deep space are among recordings the Library of Congress will preserve for their cultural significance. Twenty-five selections were added to the National Recording Registry on Wednesday, part of the library's attempt to save America's aural history by archiving recordings deemed “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant." The inductees range from Michael Jackson's 1982 all-time-bestseller “Thriller" and jazz artist Herbie Hancock's 1973 fusion smash ...
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Les Paul Tonight-Mingus Big Band Tue.-Ed Palermo Plays Zappa Wed.-Headhunters June 9-12 at The Iridium

Source: All About Jazz
June 6, 2005

June 6, 2005 To: Listings/Critics/Features From: JAZZ PROMO SERVICES Press Contact: JIM EIGO, [email protected] IRIDIUM JAZZ CLUB 1650 BROADWAY (Corner of 51st) NEW YORK, NY 10023 RESERVATIONS: 212-582-2121, www.iridiumjazzclub.com Sets at 8 & 10PM EVERY MONDAY LES PAUL AND HIS QUARTET EVERY TUESDAY THE MINGUS BIG BAND EVERY WEDNESDAY ED PALERMO BIG BAND PLAYS THE MUSIC OF FRANK ZAPPA Every Sunday Starting at 11:00AM Gospel Jazz Brunch in NYC featuring BISHOP NATHANIEL TOWNSLEY, JR. AND THE GOSPEL JUBILEE This Week ...
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