Wild Cherry was an American funk rock band that emerged from the industrial heartland of Ohio in the 1970s, capturing a brief but explosive moment when rock bands adapted to the rising tide of disco and funk. Best remembered for their massive 1976 hit “Play That Funky Music”, the group blended gritty rock roots with infectious dance grooves, creating a sound that bridged genres and topped charts worldwide.
Origins and Early Years
The band formed in 1970 in Mingo Junction, Ohio (near Steubenville), founded by singer, guitarist, and primary songwriter Rob Parissi (born Robert Parissi on December 29, 1950). Parissi, a recent high school graduate from the local steel-mill community, drew the name “Wild Cherry” from a box of cough drops during a hospital stay. The original lineup included members like Ben Difabbio, Louie Osso, Larry Brown, and Larry Mader, though the group saw frequent changes.
In their early days, Wild Cherry operated as a hard rock cover band, playing the club circuit in Ohio, western Pennsylvania (including Pittsburgh), and northern West Virginia. They released a few independent singles in the early 1970s, such as “You Can Be High (But Lay Low)” and “Something Special,” but commercial success remained elusive.
By 1975, facing challenges booking gigs as disco surged in popularity and rock clubs declined, Parissi briefly disbanded the group. He even stepped away to manage steakhouses. However, he soon reformed Wild Cherry with a new lineup more open to evolving sounds: Bryan Bassett on guitar, Allen Wentz on bass, and Ronald “Ron” Beitle on drums (with session horn players contributing to recordings). This version shifted toward funk and disco influences, inspired by acts like The Commodores.
Breakthrough with “Play That Funky Music”
The turning point came with “Play That Funky Music”, written by Parissi. The song’s lyrics famously reflected the band’s own transition: a white rock band urged to “play that funky music” to win over disco crowds. Bassett crafted the iconic opening riff, blending funk with rock elements.
Released in April 1976 on the Cleveland-based Sweet City label (distributed by Epic Records), the single exploded. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 (for three weeks starting September 18, 1976), topped the R&B chart, and achieved platinum status. It also hit the top 10 in several countries internationally. The track’s horn-driven groove, catchy chorus, and humorous self-referential lyrics made it a dance-floor staple and a perennial classic.
The self-titled debut album, Wild Cherry (1976), peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 and went platinum. Other tracks like “The Lady Wants Your Money,” “99 1/2,” and “I Feel Sanctified” showcased their funk-rock style.
The success brought accolades: Billboard named them Best Pop Group of the Year, they won an American Music Award for Top R&B Single, and earned Grammy nominations for Best New Vocal Group and Best R&B Performance by a Group or Duo.
Later Years and Decline
Follow-up albums struggled to match the debut’s impact:
• Electrified Funk (1977)
• I Love My Music (1978)
• Only the Wild Survive (1979)
Singles charted modestly but failed to replicate the blockbuster success. Lineup changes continued, with additions like guitarist Donnie Iris (later a solo artist with hits like “Ah! Leah!”) in the late 1970s. By 1979, after their fourth album, Wild Cherry disbanded. Parissi remained the sole constant member throughout the band’s nine-year run.
Legacy
Wild Cherry is often labeled a one-hit wonder, but “Play That Funky Music” endures as a cultural touchstone of the 1970s—frequently featured in films, commercials, and playlists. Its blend of rock attitude and funk rhythms influenced crossover acts and remains a go-to track for retro dance vibes. Post-breakup, Parissi pursued production (including work with Gary U.S. Bonds), session playing, and later smooth jazz. The band briefly reunited for a 2014 hometown show in Mingo Junction. In an era of musical shifts, Wild Cherry proved adaptable—turning potential obsolescence into a timeless hit that still gets crowds moving decades later.
