“On the one”—James Brown often defined funk as a groove, emphasizing the first beat, using the ‘one-two-three-four’ downbeat. However, as the Godfather of Soul would agree, funk encompasses more than just a rhythm: it’s about freedom, expression, and dance. If not for funk, disco would have never been born. How did the genre develop, and who were the central figures in the history of funk? This two-session virtual course taught by Kit O’Toole will trace funk through its blues, jazz, soul, New Orleans, and R&B roots. The class will culminate in discussing, among other funk pioneers, three of the music’s most important figures: Brown, Sly and the Family Stone, and George Clinton. The course includes multimedia presentations and class discussions.