In the vibrant music scene of New Orleans during the 1960s, a
group of exceptional musicians came together to form a band that would redefine funk music.

Bassist George Porter Jr. joined forces with Art Neville(keyboards), Joseph “Zigaboo” Modeliste (drums), and Leo Nocentelli (guitar) to create The Meters.

The name itself hinted at their precision and rhythm.
The Meters introduced a distinctive sound that blended funk, R&B, soul, and New Orleans grooves. Their music was characterised by tight and infectious instrumental grooves that quickly caught the attention of music enthusiasts. Hits like “Cissy Strut” and “Sophisticated Cissy” showcased
their innovative approach to rhythm and melody, laying the foundation for the future of funk music. Their albums “The Meters” (1969),
“Look-Ka Py Py” (1969), and “Struttin'” (1970) propelled them to prominence. While their initial success was felt mainly in their
hometown of New Orleans, their influence spread far beyond.

Despite not achieving mainstream commercial success, their impact on the music scene was undeniable. The Meters’ music was more than just notes and beats; it was a source of inspiration for generations to come. Their rhythmic grooves became the foundation for hip-hop, with countless artists sampling their tracks. This influence solidified their Legacy as pioneers of the funk genre. After the band’s initial disbandment, George Porter Jr. pursued a solo career, showcasing his exceptional bass skills.

The Meters experienced various reunions over the years, with special performances and tours celebrating their musical legacy. Their enduring popularity spoke volumes about their lasting impact. In 2018,
The Meters received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, a testament to their significant contributions to music. Their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the same year immortalized their place in music history. George Porter Jr. and The Meters revolutionized funk music with their unparalleled instrumental prowess and innovative grooves.

Their journey from New Orleans to the global music stage left an indelible mark on the industry. Their legacy continues to live on through their timeless music and the artists they’ve inspired, solidifying their status as true legends of funk.

Please join me this week as George Porter Jr shares his experiences and musical life with the legendary Meters.

To learn more about George Porter Jr head to his website http://www.georgeporterjr.com/

To send me a message and to check out some of my back episodes go to my website https://abreathoffreshair.com.au/

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Sandy Kaye Sandy Kaye

Hello, I’m Sandy Kaye. A freelance broadcaster, journalist and producer who has spent more than 35 years on both sides of radio and television microphones. I’ve worked with every TV network in Australia, have produced and presented for countless radio stations around the country and have hosted my own commercial radio talk-back show. I’ve even held the distinction of being Sydney’s first female newsreader on radio – way back when!

Today my passion is A Breath of Fresh Air which allows me to immerse myself in one of my favourite things – music. I just love all kinds of music and am fascinated by the people who make it. In particular, it’s the music of the '60s '70s and '80s that takes me back to my youth and means so much to me.

As a journalist, I’m all about digging deep into the classic hits of our time.
I bring you intimate, warm, fireside chats with the artists who tell us about their lives both then and now.
We learn about what makes them tick, who they are in their professional and private lives and how they went about making the soundtrack to our lives.

'A Breath of Fresh Air’ is exceptional - exceptional not because of me, but rather because of the stories that some of the best-known musical artists choose to share with me.

I created this podcast to honour them. It’s all about THEIR lives, THEIR stories, THEIR music, told now, in THEIR voices, before they’re lost forever.

I see my podcast as a personal labour of love, but also as an archival legacy for music fans and practitioners alike, both current and future, who otherwise might never know of the amazing people who helped build the industry.

I really hope you enjoy each and every episode of A Breath of Fresh Air.