B.T. Express, Funk and Soul Group in the 1970s

B.T. Express was one of the leading funk and soul bands of the 1970s. Based in Brooklyn, New York, the group rose to prominence with high-energy dance tracks and horn-driven arrangements. Their music blended funk, disco, and soul, producing several Top 40 hits on the Billboard charts. Songs like “Do It (‘Til You’re Satisfied),” “Express,” and “Peace Pipe” became staples of the funk-disco era.

Though their success slowed in the 1980s, B.T. Express left a lasting legacy. Their sound defined the Brooklyn funk movement and paved the way for future R&B and dance music innovations.

Artist Name	B.T. Express
Also Known As	Brooklyn Transit Express
Origin	Brooklyn, New York, USA
Genres	Funk, Soul, Disco
Years Active	1973–1984
Labels	Roadshow, Scepter, Columbia, Earthtone, Record Shack
Best-Known Songs	“Do It (‘Til You’re Satisfied)”, “Express”, “Peace Pipe”
Key Members	Bill Risbrook, Richard Thompson, Louis Risbrook (Jamal Rasool), Michael Jones (Kashif)
Notable Producers	Jeff Lane, Billy Nichols
Post-Band Success	Kashif – successful solo career and producer in the 1980s

Origins and Formation

B.T. Express started with a local Brooklyn group called the King Davis House Rockers. Members of that band—Richard Thompson (guitar), Bill Risbrook (tenor sax), and Carlos Ward (alto sax)—later teamed up with Louis Risbrook (bass), Dennis Rowe (percussion), Terrell Wood (drums), and Barbara Wood (vocals). They performed as Madison Street Express before rebranding.

Producer Jeff Lane, who played a key role in shaping their sound, introduced the group to Roadshow Records. They recorded “Do It (‘Til You’re Satisfied),” written by Billy Nichols. The track eventually landed a distribution deal with Scepter Records, which also recommended changing their name to B.T. Express, short for Brooklyn Transit Express.

Breakthrough Success

“Do It (‘Til You’re Satisfied)” (1974)

This song became their breakout hit. It peaked at:

• #2 on the Billboard Hot 100

• #1 on the R&B Singles Chart

• #8 on the Dance Chart

The single sold over a million copies and earned a gold record. Its catchy hook, funky rhythm, and suggestive lyrics made it a favorite on dance floors and radio stations. The album of the same name also topped the R&B Albums Chart and reached #5 on the Billboard 200.

“Express” (1975)

The group followed up with another massive hit, “Express,” written by the band members. It reached:

• #4 on the Billboard Hot 100

• #1 on both R&B and Dance charts

The track showcased their tight horn section and rhythmic energy. It became another signature song for the group and further established their reputation.

Continued Chart Presence

 

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B.T. Express maintained momentum with a string of follow-up hits:

• “Give It What You Got” (1975): #40 pop, #5 R&B

• “Peace Pipe” (1975): #31 pop, #3 Dance

These songs appeared on the album Non-Stop, which topped the R&B Albums chart and reached #19 on the Billboard 200. The group’s style—a mix of funk, soul, and early disco—aligned perfectly with the growing demand for danceable music in the mid-70s.

Lineup Changes and Later Career

As success mounted, so did personnel changes. Leslie Ming (drums) and Michael Jones (keyboards) joined the lineup. Bassist Louis Risbrook converted to Islam and adopted the name Jamal Rasool. Jeff Lane and Billy Nichols, crucial behind-the-scenes contributors, eventually left, shifting the creative balance.

Meanwhile, Scepter Records faced financial instability. B.T. Express moved to Columbia Records, a major label that promised better distribution. Despite this opportunity, the group’s momentum waned. Members were involved in solo projects, and the band struggled to maintain its creative focus.

Under Columbia, they released moderate R&B hits such as:

• “Can’t Stop Groovin’ Now, Wanna Do It Some More” (1976)

• “Shout It Out” (1977)

• “Energy to Burn” (1976)

• “Stretch” (1982)

Although these songs found airplay on R&B stations, they failed to match the crossover appeal of earlier hits. Changing musical trends, especially the backlash against disco in the late ’70s, also affected the group’s visibility.

Final Years and Disbandment

After recording for smaller labels like Record Shack, Earthtone, and King Davis, the group disbanded in 1984. While their commercial presence faded, several members stayed active in music. Notably, Michael Jones, who had taken the name Kashif, found major success as a solo artist, producer, and songwriter in the 1980s.

Legacy and Influence

B.T. Express helped define the Brooklyn funk and soul sound. Their early success helped pave the way for disco’s mainstream popularity. They were known for:

• Energetic live shows

• Funky basslines

• Prominent horn sections

• Dancefloor-ready beats

Their hits continue to appear on oldies and classic funk compilations. Songs like “Do It (‘Til You’re Satisfied)” and “Express” remain iconic, capturing the energy of the 1970s club scene.

Key Albums