The Groove that Changed Funk: The Meaning Behind The Song “Cissy Strut” by The Meters
In the early 1960s, New Orleans witnessed the emergence of a new sound that was soon to influence the entire music industry. Funk music arose from the ashes of traditional jazz, blues, and R&B, and instantly conquered the hearts of the young, alternative listeners of the era. Among the pioneers of funk were The Meters, a group of four highly skilled musicians who recorded some of the most iconic tunes of the genre. One of their first masterpieces was “Cissy Strut”, a groovy instrumental track that became an instant classic. In this article, we’ll explore the story behind the song and the cultural context that shaped the sound of The Meters and their peers.
The Sound of New Orleans Funk
The birthplace of many musical styles and traditions, New Orleans has always been a melting pot of cultures, rhythms, and sounds. Funk music emerged in this eclectic city in the late 1950s and early 1960s, as a hybrid of rhythm and blues, soul, and jazz. Funk was characterized by its heavy syncopated rhythms, its use of horn sections, and its emphasis on the “groove” – the addictive, hypnotic rhythmic pattern that kept the listeners dancing. The Meters were among the most influential and talented bands of this burgeoning scene, along with other groups such as The Neville Brothers, Dr. John, and Allen Toussaint.
The Story of “Cissy Strut”
The story behind “Cissy Strut” is a simple one. The song’s title refers to the name of a girl and the dance she performed. “Cissy” was a term used in New Orleans to describe a sassy, confident woman, and the “strut” was a dance that involved moving the hips and the feet in a distinctive, syncopated rhythm. According to The Meters’ guitarist Leo Nocentelli, who wrote the song, “Cissy Strut” was inspired by a funky guitar riff that he had played during a rehearsal. “The groove was so nasty,” he recalls, “it wouldn’t let us go.”
The song features a catchy guitar riff that repeats throughout the track, supported by a simple yet powerful bassline, a funky organ, and a tight drumming performance by Ziggy Modeliste. The groove is infectious, irresistible, and highly danceable, and it quickly became a hit among funk enthusiasts and DJs. “Cissy Strut” was released as a single in 1969, and it climbed the charts in the US and in Europe. It was later included in The Meters’ eponymous debut album, which became a classic of the funk genre.
The Cultural Significance of “Cissy Strut”
“Cissy Strut” was much more than a hit song; it was a cultural phenomenon that reflected the attitudes and aspirations of young African Americans in the turbulent era of the late 1960s. The song’s infectious groove and its celebratory spirit embodied the joy and freedom of the funk movement, which was a form of rebellion against the mainstream culture and its conservative values. Funk was also a way of expressing a sense of identity and community among African Americans, who were still struggling for equal rights and recognition.
“Cissy Strut” was part of a larger cultural movement that transformed American music in the 1960s. The funk sound of The Meters and their peers influenced not only other musicians but also the fashion, language, and lifestyle of the younger generation. Funk music became a symbol of youth culture and of the countercultural values of independence, creativity, and authenticity.
The Legacy of “Cissy Strut”
Today, “Cissy Strut” remains a beloved classic of the funk genre, and it continues to inspire musicians and listeners all over the world. The song’s infectious groove and its memorable guitar riff have been sampled and remixed by countless artists, ranging from hip hop and electronic music to jazz and rock. The Meters and “Cissy Strut” have also been recognized as important influences on the development of other genres, such as reggae, ska, and world music.
The Meters have long been acknowledged as one of the most important and innovative bands in the history of funk music. Their unique sound, their virtuosic musicianship, and their joyful spirit have made them an enduring source of inspiration for generations of musicians. “Cissy Strut” is not only a masterpiece of funk music but also a testament to the power of music to unite, to express, and to celebrate the human spirit.
