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Featured in WYGYFF (Episode 29): This is the fifth Jam Fans Forum episode in which expert panelists provide their top picks in various funk music categories. This time around, we are taking on the typically sexy and romantic topic of the 5 Greatest Funk Ballads of All Time. 

DR GX’s Funk Ballad Definition: Produced by funk, funky or funk-capable artists, these songs are downtempo and often sensual, deeply soulful with emotive lead vocals while maintaining funk groove musical elements. Examples of that are prominent bass or plucking, pronounced drums, guitar solos, arresting background vocals and harmonies, unconventional and creative soundscapes, and extended running times. These songs are generally not overly sentimental, sappy, poppy or cliched in lyrics, feel or sound, and frequently are more rhythmic than melodic – yet they still touch the soul and stick in the mind of listeners. These songs are typically ideal for very intimate, body-on-body slow dancing – or in house party vernacular, grinding. That said, thematically this style can diverge from interpersonal intimacy into most any subject matter.  

Joining in are three esteemed Jam Fans: media professional, singer/songwriter and avid music buff Juliana Jai-Bolden; music & culture journalist and liner notes master A. Scott Galloway; and music scholar, author and History of Funk radio show host Rickey Vincent. Thanks to all of them for keeping the funk alive! 

Panelists' Picks Ground Rules:

- Picks are not shared ahead of time, so everyone experiences the reveals together.

- Panelists compile alternates in case someone else names the same pick first. That works out to a total of 20 picks!

- Picks may be shared in random, unranked or in non-chronological order. 

- Picks may be based more on personal preference than historical context.

Go to https://funknstuff.net/jam-fans-forum-20-funk-ballads OR https://wp.me/p77e8T-3GU to listen to and buy this episode’s 20 all-time great debut funk ballads. 

Be sure to like, comment, share and subscribe – and let us know other categories you would like to see covered. Also, share your own choices for the 5 Greatest Funk Ballads of All Time.

RECORDED JUNE 2025

Hosted by Scott "DR GX" Goldfine — musicologist, author of “Everything Is on the One: The First Guide of Funk” and creator/host of the popular TRUTH IN RHYTHM podcast — "Where'd You Get Your Funk From?" is the latest interview show brought to you by FUNKNSTUFF.NET. Where’d You Get Your Funk From (WYGYFF) is an open format video and audio podcast focusing on the here and now, with a broad range of creative and artistic guests sharing fascinating stories, experiences, and perspectives.

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