Dyke & the Blazers is one of the original American funk bands.
They picked up on the rhythms, bass and organ innovations of James Brown's band and released "Funky Broadway - Part 1" in 1967, the first black dance single with the name "Funky" in the title. "Funky Broadway" was later covered by Wilson Pickett, resulting in a number 1 R&B hit.
Frontman and vocalist Arlester "Dyke" Christian (born 1943, Brooklyn, New York) was shot to death in 1971 at the height of the band's success.
