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Members
11 Mixed
Popularity
29
Followers
21,316
Origin
Washington DC, USA
Genre
---
Style
Urban/R&B
Mood
Gritty
Born
11 Mixed
Popularity
29Followers
21,316
Origin
Washington DC, USAGenre
---
Style
Urban/R&B
Mood
Gritty
Born
1976
Active
1976 to Present...
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Most Loved TracksNo loved tracks found...
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Rare Essence was started in 1976 after childhood friends Quentin "Footz" Davidson, Andre "Whiteboy" Johnson, Michael "Funky Ned" Neal and John Jones decided to form a band. After school, the band gathered in their basements to play Top 40 hits from such influential funk bands as Parliament-Funkadelic, Cameo, and Con Funk Shun in practice sessions.
Eventually the band took on more players and conformed to the go-go style and sound, which gained recognition in the mid-70s. Although the go-go beat had been originated by Chuck Brown, the characteristic four Congo style played by all subsequent bands was originated by Rare Essence.
Once the direction of the band was settled, Rare Essence along with Chuck Brown, Trouble Funk and Experience Unlimited formed the basis for the emerging go-go scene. By 1979 their ability to draw consistent local crowds was well established. As was the wide dispersal of bootleg tapes.
Many of the band's original members contributed to the D.C. style, one would go on to be one of the most dynamic and influential performers on the go scene. Anthony Harley "Lil Benny" was on the way home from his weekly trumpet lesson when he heard the sound of a band coming from a nearby apartment building. After a brief audition, in which he performed the introduction to Kool & the Gang's "Hollywood Swinging", he was asked to join on the spot. Soon after, the band called on the assistance of Quentin's mother, Annie Mack, who became the band's first manager.
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