Instant Funk made their name with tight grooves, infectious rhythms, and a sound that defined the late 1970s dance floor. Their 1979 smash hit “I Got My Mind Made Up (You Can Get It Girl)” topped both the R&B and dance charts, becoming one of disco’s most iconic tracks. Though their time at the top was brief, Instant Funk blended funk, soul, and disco with a sharp edge that still gets crowds moving today.
Originally a group of backing musicians, Instant Funk built their sound in the studio before stepping into the spotlight. Their transition from sidemen to headliners brought them major success—and helped shape the era’s dance music soundscape.
| Group Name | Instant Funk |
|---|---|
| Origin | Trenton, New Jersey, USA |
| Genres | Funk, Disco, R&B, Soul |
| Years Active | 1975–1985; brief reunion in 2013 |
| Labels | Gold Mind Records, Salsoul Records |
| Key Members | Raymond Earl (bass), Scotty Miller (drums), Kim Miller (guitar), James Carmichael (vocals), Dennis Richardson (keys), Charles Williams (percussion) |
| Major Hit | “I Got My Mind Made Up (You Can Get It Girl)” – #1 Dance, #1 R&B, #20 Hot 100 (1979) |
| Other Notable Tracks | “Let Me Party with You”, “Slap, Slap Lickedy Lap”, “Who Took Away the Funk” |
| Notable Albums |
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| Legacy | Known for pioneering funk-disco crossover; heavily sampled in hip-hop; club and dancefloor icons |
Formation and Early Work
Instant Funk was formed in Trenton, New Jersey in the mid-1970s. The group began with three core members:
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Raymond Earl – Bass
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Scotty Miller – Drums
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Kim Miller – Guitar
They later expanded their lineup to include:
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James Carmichael – Lead vocals
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Dennis Richardson – Keyboards
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Charles Williams – Percussion
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Larry Davis, Eric Huff, and Johnny Onderlinde – Horn section
Before launching their own career, they performed as backing musicians for top R&B artists including The Manhattans, Lou Rawls, Curtis Mayfield, and Evelyn “Champagne” King—notably on her 1977 hit “Shame.”
They were discovered by singer and producer Bunny Sigler, who gave them their break. The band’s manager, Jackie Ellis, coined the name “Instant Funk” after observing their ability to create funky grooves on the spot.
Early Recordings and Move to Philadelphia
In 1976, Instant Funk relocated to Philadelphia, where they became part of the city’s thriving soul and funk scene. That year, they released their debut album, Get Down With the Philly Jump. The title track and single “It Ain’t Reggae But It’s Funky” made modest waves, peaking at #24 on the dance chart.
The group’s mix of funk rhythms and polished arrangements caught the attention of Norman Harris, guitarist and co-founder of MFSB (Mother Father Sister Brother). Harris had just launched Gold Mind Records, an imprint under Salsoul Records, and signed Instant Funk to his label.
First Chart Success: “Let Me Party with You”
Working with Bunny Sigler, the band recorded the 1978 single “Let Me Party with You.” Written by Sigler and members of Instant Funk, the song hit #8 on the Billboard R&B chart. It gave the group their first taste of commercial success as front-facing artists and positioned them for a bigger breakout.
Breakout with “I Got My Mind Made Up”
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In 1979, Gold Mind folded and transferred its roster—including Instant Funk—to Salsoul Records. There, the group recorded the track that would define their career: “I Got My Mind Made Up (You Can Get It Girl).”
Originally recorded in one take, the song underwent heavy remixing by Larry Levan and Bob Blank at Blank Tapes Studios in New York. The extended 12-inch single became a staple of club DJs and brought Instant Funk national recognition.
The song charted across multiple formats:
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#1 on Billboard’s Dance Club Songs chart
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#1 on the R&B chart
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#20 on the Billboard Hot 100
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#46 on the UK Singles Chart
With its catchy hook, deep bassline, and stop-start beat, the song became a signature of the disco era. It also featured memorable vocal interjections like “Say what?” and “Hit it!” that have been widely sampled in hip-hop and electronic music since.
The Album: Instant Funk (1979)
The hit single appeared on the band’s self-titled album Instant Funk, which also became a commercial success:
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#1 on the R&B Albums chart
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#12 on the Billboard 200
The album included other tracks like:
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“Crying”
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“Never Let It Go Away”
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“Wide World of Sports”
Its blend of party anthems and smooth funk ballads showcased the band’s range and instrumental skill.
Continued Releases and Decline
Following their chart-topping success, Instant Funk released several more albums with Salsoul:
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Witch Doctor (1979)
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The Funk Is On (1980)
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Looks So Fine (1982)
While none of the follow-up singles matched the impact of “I Got My Mind Made Up,” tracks like:
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“Slap, Slap Lickedy Lap”
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“Slam Dunk the Funk”
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“No Stoppin’ That Rockin’”
found success in clubs and on R&B radio.
Their final charting single, “Who Took Away the Funk,” was released in 1983. It marked the end of their run as chart regulars.
Disbandment and Later Projects
In the mid-1980s, Salsoul Records shut down to focus on the growing home video market. Without label support, Instant Funk disbanded shortly afterward.
Some members pursued other projects:
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Bunny Sigler joined The Trammps
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Raymond Earl launched his own production company
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Others moved into gospel music and session work
Despite their relatively short time in the spotlight, Instant Funk’s influence continued through sampling, DJ sets, and reissues.
Reunion and Legacy
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In 2013, surviving members of Instant Funk reunited to appear in the music video for “I’m Your Reflection” by singer Shantel. The collaboration introduced the band’s legacy to a new generation.
Today, “I Got My Mind Made Up” remains a dancefloor staple and has been sampled by artists such as:
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De La Soul
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2Pac
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Kool G Rap
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Jungle Brothers
Their legacy lives on in the worlds of funk, R&B, and hip-hop.