Average White Band

United Kingdom, 1972–now

Scottish funk band formed in 1972, celebrated for making authentic American-style funk. Their instrumental 'Pick Up the Pieces' topped the US charts — so convincingly that James Brown answered with his own 'Pick Up the Pieces One by One'.

MusicRoots documents 2 artists who influenced Average White Band and 0 artists Average White Band influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Average White Band?

• James Brown — James Brown's funk is the direct model for Average White Band — Brown even answered their hit 'Pick Up the Pieces' with his own version, a mark of how close they came to his sound.
• Marvin Gaye — Marvin Gaye was among the R&B heroes Average White Band cite behind their smooth, soulful funk.