Lipps Inc. (pronounced “lip sync”) was a Minneapolis-based R&B and disco group best known for their massive 1980 hit “Funkytown.” The track became one of the final global chart-toppers of the disco era. While often labeled a one-hit wonder in pop terms, the group found moderate success on dance charts throughout their short-lived career.
| Artist Profile: Lipps Inc. | |
|---|---|
| Artist Name | Lipps Inc. |
| Origin | Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA |
| Genres | Disco, Funk, R&B, Dance |
| Years Active | 1979–1985 |
| Labels | Casablanca Records, Flight Records |
| Notable Members | Steven Greenberg, Cynthia Johnson, Margie Cox, Melanie Rosales |
| Notable Work | “Funkytown” (1980), “Mouth to Mouth” (1980) |
| Awards | 3 Billboard Music Awards (1980) |
Formation and Early Days
Steven Greenberg, a songwriter and producer, formed Lipps Inc. in 1979 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Greenberg was the project’s creative force, writing, arranging, and producing nearly all of the group’s material. The original lead vocalist was Cynthia Johnson, a classically trained musician and former beauty queen (Miss Black Minnesota 1976).
The group’s name—Lipps Inc.—was a playful take on “lip sync,” fitting for the slick, studio-driven sound they were aiming for. They quickly released their debut single “Rock It” under the local Flight Records, a label owned by Greenberg himself. While “Rock It” didn’t chart significantly, it laid the groundwork for what was to come.
The Breakthrough: “Funkytown”
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Lipps Inc.’s second single, “Funkytown,” was released in March 1980 and became an international phenomenon. Written by Greenberg, the song expressed a desire to leave Minneapolis and head to a more vibrant place—like New York City. With its infectious synth riff, robotic vocoder effects, and disco-funk groove, it caught on quickly.
“Funkytown” reached:
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#1 on the Billboard Hot 100
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#1 on the Billboard Dance Chart
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#2 on the Billboard R&B Chart
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#2 on the UK Singles Chart
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#1 in more than a dozen countries, including Australia, Germany, France, Canada, and Switzerland
The song went platinum in several markets and sold millions of copies worldwide. It became one of the most recognizable tracks of the disco era, even as the genre was beginning to fade in mainstream popularity.
The success of “Funkytown” led to three Billboard Music Awards in 1980 and cemented the band’s place in dance music history.
Albums and Later Releases
“Funkytown” and “Rock It” were both featured on the band’s debut album, Mouth to Mouth, released by Casablanca Records. The album performed well, reaching:
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#5 on the Billboard 200
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#5 on the Billboard R&B Albums Chart
However, despite the strong debut, Lipps Inc. struggled to maintain the same level of success with future releases. Songs like:
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“Hold Me Down”
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“How Long”
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“Addicted to the Night”
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“Does Anybody Know Me” / “Hit the Deck”
—found limited success, mostly on the dance charts.
“Rock It” remained their only other Billboard Hot 100 entry, peaking at #64.
Lineup Changes and Final Years
After the release of their second album Designer Music, Cynthia Johnson left the group. She was replaced by Margie Cox, and later by Melanie Rosales. However, the new lineups failed to recreate the chemistry or success of the original.
The group released two more albums:
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Designer Music (1981)
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4 (1983)
Neither album achieved significant commercial traction. In 1985, Lipps Inc. officially disbanded.
Legacy
While the group had a short lifespan, their influence outlasted their time on the charts. “Funkytown” has been featured in dozens of films, commercials, and TV shows. It’s considered one of the defining tracks of the disco-to-80s transition era.
In recognition of their cultural impact, Lipps Inc. was inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame. The song continues to be played at sporting events and dance floors, keeping their legacy alive decades later.