The Funky Robot - 1973

[@garyd395]

You have to love how KZbin is the closest thing to a time machine we have

[@TheCensere]

2nd

[@youllhavetowait]

💯💯

[@youllhavetowait]

@@TheCenserethe internet in general?

[@AliFrazier100]

🎯

[@a4realbrotha50]

Smh

[@PajaArsenovic]

How times have changed! Rufus Thomas was 56 years old at the time of this performance. Just imagine that happening now! An artist that old, surrounded by kids dancing to the music.

[@NickJr757]

Chuck Brown is another great example. I think he was in his 40's when he pioneered Go-Go music.

[@charlespennie3621]

RIP James Earl Jones and Rufus

[@JustK009]

Rufus Thomas -James Earl Jones Legends 👑👑👑

[@jayste9334]

💯

[@Wally-H]

As are the Bar Kays, not visible here but somewhere in the studio laying down that groove.

[@katyarnold-ji8sv]

RIP James Earl Jones RIP Rufus Thomas

[@ijiwarusensei89]

That voice is unmistakable.

[@soundmindbodydivine]

Back when we still had soul, still had class, still had self respect.

[@Themaddprof]

This was around the same time that Mr. Rufus managed to talk thousands of youth in LA to respectfully clear the field during the Wattstax performance.

[@PocketProjects]

That right there is the birth of popping, breakin and all things Hip Hop culture! 🔥🔥🔥

[@daxterclark5092]

Facts!!

[@joezava8257]

No, de hecho esta ante el nacimiento del Electro Funk...que derivó en la experimentación del Funk con la Música Electrónica Clásica (igual el el Progressive Rock UK y Krautrock en Alemania). De ahí la referencia con el Robot Dancing en partes del Funk que empezaban a incluir Synth/Clavinet en algunos fragmentos de la canción. Había otros artistas y productores que si hacían enteramente este primer modelo de Electro Funk Synth/Clavinet (Wonder, Preston, Clinton/Funkadelic, Hancock...).

[@durterebelz]

Chuuch!

[@SD_simma]

And just to think.....these young people are now in their 60s, 70s & 80s!

[@bobbie143bc]

I'm one of those people. Love it! 😍

[@calba24]

Thats true, but they lived through the best years that we all wish for today. They were blessed to experience those days while those of us who are young living in these days especially with this pandemic don’t hardly even know a few good days if they happened...

[@danityvanityinsanity]

I was seven back in 1973 and it was heavenly!✨💖✨

[@nola504creole5]

💩💩🦨🦨🤖🤖🤖🤖

[@brivvy]

🙏🏾 owe my gratitude to all you groundbreakers

[@jameskerry41]

I was 13 in '73, first girlfriend, first kiss, music from that era is like a time machine, takes me back : )

[@Mycarrox]

I was Born end of 1973, so if I ever heard this I was in utero :D

[@jamesdavis5517]

@jameskerry41 Love that nostalgic feeling.

[@jefferybarnes1423]

I was 9... great time

[@duanegeorge5754]

MY ERA IN 1973 AT 17 YEARS, WHAT A GREAT ERA. WE WERE PROUD TO BE RECOGNIZED AS BLACK AMERICA, HOW WE WALKED, TALKED, DANCED AND CARRIED OURSELVES WITH PRIDE. BLACK ERA OF TODAY, TOTALLY LOST!!!

[@gemjournals]

I was 3 in 73 we were still doing the Robot.

[@christopherduffy1703]

No weave! Just beautiful black women sporting their natural hair.

[@ertfgghhhh]

.....sir, they wore wigs and falls too back then...

[@christopherduffy1703]

@@ertfgghhhh Yea! You had women who wore wigs and perms two but the natural afro was also in style. You rarely see black women sport their natural hair these days.

[@tonystarks7715]

@@ertfgghhhh not like how they do now😕

[@ertfgghhhh]

@@christopherduffy1703 natural hair never went out of style. In fact, it was called neo soul in the 90s. Those women were natural. I was one if them. I was not the only one. And there are so many natural hair channels on youtube. You must be stevie wonder not to see any natural black women. And btw, some women with straight hair are natural... You are talking outta your neck

[@DocSadism]

christopherduffy1703, Right-On, beautiful Black Women wearing their beautiful GOD given natural hair

[@rottimusprime9560]

Growing up in the 70's was the best 😊.

[@240walnut]

#PausimodO link bio

[@sheldonm]

Was it?

[@CatsAndPokemon]

You must be white 😂

[@webtheweb]

Some say it was the 80's

[@narviee3365]

Yep people n music were both genuine...

[@derekreed5989]

He said he made a new song and freestyled the whole thing!

[@ericcrawford4820]

You may be cool, but you'll never be freestyling a new song cool !

[@ptballers4life]

🤣🤣😂😂

[@julbri7105]

Exactly..

[@deeleon1638]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@DeathsInverse]

Thank God I grew up in the 90s

[@mick62mick]

You can't help your feet tapping and enjoying the whole vibe of this marvellously happy video with a big smile on your face!

[@ronaldbowman6059]

I remember those days. Boy did we have great times. Black people and the music were so positive.

[@monetschannel5773]

When white got mixed in then the problems began amongst us

[@Twonne1]

For sure. The difference in the music lyric and energy it creates today and then is galaxies apart.

[@whatshatnin4572]

This a lil before my time but i remember the elders puttin it down like this when i was super young

[@Will-re9jl]

@@monetschannel5773 just curious as to what that means bc it sounds racist. Im not offended, just curious.

[@teemanz2264]

@@Will-re9jl the comment of black people and music was so positive back then sound racist as if there is no positivity in music with black people today. Smh

[@christopherwilliams917]

Mr Rufus...thanks for the wonderful music. Rest well brother.

[@mrbdx]

Back when our Seniors still had CLOUT! My man is old but still rocking and got the young folks involved and they not capping.

[@wanyekest71]

Dude wasn't a senior. He was like 49

[@jaygresh]

James Brown is the Godfather. Aretha Franklin, undisputed Queen of Soul. Elvis can be argued about left and right. But, Rufus Thomas is the Crazy Uncle!

[@DavidRichardson95]

He really was though. Recently discovered the iconic gems such as _Breakdown_ and _Funky Penguin_ as well as _Chicken_ too. And even though he found fame much later in life, he _enjoyed_ doing what he loved. That's why they called him _the world's oldest teenager_ rightfully so. I can't wait to see how Bobby Brown portrays him next week on the premiere of _American Soul_ on BET.

[@kaleahcollins4567]

Who makes you wanna go to every family gathering especially once he starts drinkin but watch out

[@lifeworksndhenterprisesllc6597]

jaygresh crazy drunk whino uncle😂

[@kingsports1113]

King of Memphis

[@IngaHicks]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@elgmichoacan818]

Wat a t time to be alive❤

[@donyoung2185]

@Peyton Bell I was high school graduate in 78 , man I tell my kids and my grands stories about the music, parties and clothes and they laugh and want to hear more.

[@holyroncg]

I am a proud product of the 70's they were so far the best times. The music, family etc...

[@holyroncg]

I remember wanting to be older so I could wear clothes and shoes from Flagg Brothers! Boi do I miss the 70's.

[@donyoung2185]

@Peyton Bell right back at cha fam !!!!,

[@xxcrump3297]

What's wrong with your lives now?

[@cahmann.2449]

R.I.P. 👑KING RUFU$!.👑

[@reidabney2915]

Musical genius

[@knaziringram4589]

Yessir!

[@fredpreister3764]

Look how normal and innocent woman looked back then..

[@ciyahbowens1800]

Yes gorgeous now fake barbies

[@JustK009]

🎯

[@stiemestyles6091]

Yes they looked to be respected! Man do I miss that🤔

[@tsopmocful1958]

When US black culture was cool.

[@ciyahbowens1800]

@@tsopmocful1958 yes...now the fakery...and as they say black men are fake...yea ok

[@jamesfroberg3590]

I have seen many great opening acts over the years. Best by far was Rufus. He had me dancing in the aisle, and I am a notorious wallflower.

[@daydayh7671]

I remember being 4 years old and the Robot was my favorite Dance. When we would go to family functions I remember being my little self and doing the Robot. And being pushed by my Mom to do it🥰🥰🥰🥰💗. What a time.

[@preachdumas1254]

yup.. i was 4 as well , lol

[@shortblockflexinit5219]

I'm 60 and I still do the robot at family gatherings 😄.

[@justmejenny7986]

@@shortblockflexinit5219 🤣 you must be the life of the party. Don't ever stop. That's when you get old.

[@monicdavis6150]

We wore that robot out cause it was easy for us kids!

[@hapymark123]

@@shortblockflexinit5219 you've seen Michael Jackson do it on soul train, right?

[@calba24]

I am so jealous! These people in the video look happy, and not a camera phone in sight. They lived during the best of times doing a dance called the Robot, and now here we are living in 2021 feeling like robots because of the pandemic. Some people are even mindless robots because they choose to believe everything on social media. I wish I was a time-traveling robot, so I could go do the Funky Robot in the 70’s...

[@Michelle-pn9xt]

Of course, there were no camera phones. You want to go back in time to do a dance????

[@blkmamba40]

This is how it got started...pop-locking, boogaloo, and breaking.

[@djJackMF]

It may have been early but it wasn't how it all got started. Don Campbell started locking in the late 60's. Floor moves had also been around for a few years before.

[@blkmamba40]

@@djJackMF You are absolutely right. I forgot about Don Cambell. They were already locking in the 60's fo sho. My bad.

[@blkmamba40]

@@l.s.a1990 ?????

[@djJackMF]

@@l.s.a1990 I tried to come up with a good reason why you would leave that comment here; but, anything I came up with just bummed me out.

[@blkmamba40]

@@djJackMF If Asians invented this then, by default, black folks are going to have to lay claim to kung fu and Gung fu.... just saying. LOL

[@marvinwhittaker3782]

No wonder he was known as the world's oldest teenager, because he was so good with kids

[@dimviesel]

I have almost All of his records on vinyl…first time ever seeing him live. Amazing!

[@jean-pierrejipi5720]

m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXSpqn6IqdF_has&pp=ygURcnVmdXMgdGhvbWFzIGxpdmU%3D

[@bigdawgblast2558]

she was so focused😍🥰🤗

[@240walnut]

#PausimodO ep W/ link

[@yoube449]

Beautiful people!

[@antonybrown432]

I was 10 years old in 1973 a great time to be alive that's when black people knew how to treat each other

[@jimedwards4901]

You can hear the rapping & church vibe in his delivery.

[@Payne_Inc.]

Born in '73. Right On ✊🏽

[@roby5706]

“Right on”with the”Right on”....👍🏼😷

[@randywatson4341]

Right on Right on!😎

[@andrewpatterson4393]

Born Feb.of '73 Right on with it👊🏿

[@Payne_Inc.]

​@andrewpatterson4393 & I'm March. Can ya dig it? Lol

[@neosneos3680]

R.I.P. Rufus Thomas You Are An ANGEL Now

[@cooper482011]

Rufus Thomas is an ancestor who’s beautiful spirit lives among us.

[@Michelle-pn9xt]

People do not become angels because they die. Read a bible.

[@GOKUbLACLIVESMATERS]

1st won killed it 🤖

[@fernandoiglesias5707]

C3PO was just 30,073 years old when this dance came out.

[@gl6996]

James Earl Jones should've done the funky robot too!!!

[@240walnut]

#PausimodO link

[@robertdipaola3447]

That would have been ---"REAL FUNKY"!!!!!!!!!!!

[@edwinragland2883]

He went on to become Lord Vader.

[@240walnut]

@@edwinragland2883 #PausimodO

[@rohnbosley4811]

I love this, 1973 is around the same time teenage Michael Jackson started doing the robot also.

[@tye9713]

Just seeing this makes me wonder why my parents were so strict

[@imshaunnurse]

Because of the shit they really did. These shows had hundreds of thousands of viewers back then imagine what the rest of America was doing those nights?

[@greatsol2444]

People need to get back together in this way.

[@vasosandrea3532]

Too true today life style is messed up people were having fun and socializing openly

[@williampropst9447]

It will never be that way again Technology is are best friend now.

[@rayhanes1347]

Powers that be won't have that. They now control the music and pop culture

[@greatsol2444]

@@rayhanes1347 Yes. We need to cut out the middleman- bring us back to the Source!

[@apdurn]

Wow. How far this went and how much it grew from here is INSANE.

[@pappagetti]

She's a dancing Machine.

[@MrLittlec7]

Love my people!

[@antd8259]

Hilarious. Gotta love the 70's. The girl in the red skirt is killing it at the end.

[@Wally-H]

Yeah, she's a proper hoofer.

[@mindthreatx]

hell yeah!

[@Ladykyra101]

Wow, James Earl Jones was so young!

[@tiste6770]

And yet still old 😩🤣😆

[@sirlooksterofnormandy1952]

That funk still hits different decades later.

[@wafimah]

Back in the 1977, I used to watch this variety show called Shields and Yarnell. They must have watched Rufus because they were the baddest white couple doing the robot. They called it mime but, that was definitely the robot. Search KZbin and check them out. As a kid, I was so amazed with their body isolation.

[@sadewolfkitten]

Lorene Yarnell was so good at it, she was later cast as Dot Matrix in Spaceballs, the C3po equivalent voiced by Joan Rivers.

[@amac6347]

Voices like that can say anything behind the beat & it would sound like a song..

[@dannyboyd9462]

I Love This !!! I Miss This !!!

[@DavidRichardson95]

Who's here after watching _American Soul_ last night? B. Brown killed it!!! RIP Rufus Thomas.

[@faithful760]

Me 🤣🤣🤣

[@killerpretty]

lol facts im trying too find the real soul train clip on youtube lol

[@desperateastro]

The funky chikin, the funky penguin, the Push and 'Pull, and the Funky Robot. Got to get on up and do it, git on down and do it. This is music played at the highest level of skill, always will get you moving and put the charge in your batteries!

[@aimeemoore1094]

When I hear them songs I have be careful not to throw my back and hip out place. Right On!!

[@dkapone]

This was at a time when Rufus was throwing anything up against the wall. Especially after WattStax! Peace.

[@adenbuford7396]

I love Rufus Thomas. Thanks for posting this.

[@donyoung2185]

The best years of my life (the 70’s) ❤️❤️❤️

[@justmejenny7986]

I was born in 73. But I agree. 70s and 80s were wonderful.

[@donyoung2185]

@@justmejenny7986 I was 14 in 73 , those were the best years to be a teenager. Everything was cheap clothes, movies, restaurants. We wanted for nothing!!!!!!!. I feel so bad for my Grandsons.

[@donyoung2185]

@@justmejenny7986 the 80’s were nice too!!!!!!!!

[@justmejenny7986]

@@donyoung2185 I miss going roller skating and to the mall. Best music. I don't know what happened. I'm so thankful that I grew up when I did.

[@stellarocquie7957]

@@donyoung2185 So scary. . . I'm so glad I never had kids or grandkids. . . when I go, I'll have no worries to leave behind in this world ( what's left of it ).

[@whitfieldebanks6733]

I love it i play this video every day

[@isisdaddy1]

Get it Uncle Rufus!!!!!!

[@alanmorris7669]

My mama went to see Rufus Thomas in a concert and she said he jumped off the stage and broke his leg.

[@capoislamort100]

Jesus Christ

[@deenad3562]

@@capoislamort100 hahahaaa!🤣😂

[@lql1094]

That whole scenario sounds like it could have been my mom telling us that story.🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@GMANKOOL23]

😂😂😂😂

[@pistolpete8231]

Great story

[@geegod9461]

Rufus thomas was the original crowd hype man b4 dj clue, funk flex, dj, the drama king kay slay, DJ kool, doug fresh, dj khalid, fat man scoop, Mad Skillz, busy bee star ski, kool herc n the herculoidz

[@DJWOLFLIVE]

And funk pioneer

[@pharoah1200]

The Funky Robot. The Funky Chicken. The Funky Penguin. The Breakdown. All Rufus Thomas.

[@Le-Nor]

She made it her own funky robot 🤖

[@tiste6770]

😩😆🤣

[@joshspencer6520]

Black is beautiful

[@seanharris2985]

Elvis being put in a conversation like this means alot about how black culture saw black somewhat negatively and wanted more than just black culture as we see now, blacks definitely do not want to be black anymore, we r everything but black but still hold on to the title bc of a slavery we were not apart of or a history or the skin color

[@Lady_A.R]

I have to admit, I never saw James Earl Jones host any urban music TV show until today ! 😂 How did I missed this? LOL I never expected this from him. Wow ! He was a well rounded and talented entertainer (not just acting, narrating but also singing & hosting an urban music & dance TV show).❤❤❤ RIP Sir James Earl Jones 🌺❤️🇺🇸

[@axtaxt8372]

That pink cape is EVERYTHING

[@KristNi]

I love watching these old shows before I was born

[@meangreen323]

This is too Funky

[@lo3ful]

Just a natural good time, the 70s, 80s, 90s till 2008 that's it people 😀

[@lisagrl89m.67]

I'd say up until 9/11

[@terryseldon42]

I cant watch he look like he putting me in a trance . along with that cape for effects. Pimped out blackula making us move to his beat . a scary musical😅😅👻🎃

[@mobetta2092]

Today the kid at 0:41 is the age that singer is in this video....time flies

[@evilldead6824]

Dayum that wizard in the pink cape is super funky!

[@verasityserpentine]

You got it girl !

[@mopar_keys]

Back when the party was a party.... and not a shooting range

[@Tito74]

Looks like the origins of popping and locking

[@Sclass_Ent]

Uncle Rufus

[@aprilgarcia6119]

I love it! Well, not so crazy about his outfit. Lol! But I truly love how naturally beautiful these girls are! I don’t know how I happened across this video today, I’m glad I did. Made my day☺️

[@queorchard1944]

I just Love the HAIR STYLE so Beautiful so FREE 💯💯💯💯💯💙😎

[@fraupollo7138]

PURE FUNK BABY....THE FATHER OF FUNK SOUL....GREAT DAYS.....REMEMBER MY DAYS OF SCHOOL!!🇲🇽 I LOVE THIS MUSIC!!!

[@jeffyork6687]

This is a magic moment in time. So much fun. What a groove!

[@Wally-H]

Indeed, most likely the Bar Kays laying it down live but off camera. This sounds totally different to the recorded version so they must have been there somewhere.

[@endshadow7066]

That was funny as hell yet fly as hell at the same time lol.

[@monicasuzette]

Rufus Thomas, Funky Chicken, push n pull, and the Funky Robot💕💕 I used to do all those dances..lol

[@abodeofhaven1]

Omg! Earl Jones🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕

[@profilmwork]

Now that’s funky

[@rayburton4867]

Love the intense expression on her face! 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

[@joyceprater4647]

The year of my birth, Glory to God!

[@geonat9745]

I just love the girl in yellow.

[@alwaystheone]

RIP Rufus Thomas and James Earl Jones

[@Le-Nor]

Love this 🌹🌹🌹

[@keeppressing1760]

Let the church say amen 💯

[@new2dayuser151]

A Great Legend performing the Funky Robot!!!

[@williamrowlands1789]

Long live the 70's. What a time to be young and carefree. 😎

[@Kako_XO]

Funky. I love my people. Those young ladies were getting it.

[@kayodephillips5435]

Man I wish I was old enough

[@seanmcmillan2134]

Rufus Thomas ; LEGEND !!!!!!

[@cowel8734]

His cape game is at an elite status

[@neelz323]

Im doin it... im doin it.... im doin the funkin robot!!

[@laidbackblack1968]

Nobody overweight, no fake hair and no makeup, good times.

[@blaquemann9398]

Shit Black Incels say.

[@TheUndefeatedOfTheEast]

Don't tell the truth lol.

[@johnschumer2174]

Language was also important then....Hip hop ruined all of it.

[@theezenriarinze9203]

@@blaquemann9398 Something that someone sleeps with female linebackers says.

[@theeverydayillusion7790]

Yeah but they had no WLAN

[@jaypaladin-havesmartswilll5508]

Could a partially bald and grey haired older black man have a major pop hit today? Rufus Thomas was one of top soul singers in the early 1970's and he was a cool papa. This shows how what we like in music and what sells is control by a few record, media and distribution corporations.

[@scottbakanumba1heathen313]

Big fun! 🎉❤

[@colleenhumphreys9301]

This brings back so many happy moments.

[@ironmike-putsallkindavideo7840]

Damn, i was born in 1971, so this was before my time . .. ... I represent the 1980s & 90s eras of Music , but i do respect the 1970s era of Music though

[@cooper482011]

I can relate to your comment. I’m a 1970s baby (born 1972). My uncles and aunties (my mom’s younger siblings) loved this guy. As a little, snot-nosed child, I sort of grew up to music🎵🎶in the1970s (birthday parties and other family celebrations). The 1980s music represent my coming-of-age years. The 1990s music represents my young adult years. Personally, I love the music of the 1970s (funk, disco and 70s soul) because it meant so much to Black American culture💃🏾🕺🏽.

[@greg1503]

Born in 66 . Was absolutely fascinated with the ' robot ' dance . Electric Boogaloo segments on Soul Train in the 70s and early 80s .🔥Miss those days when it was all new ..💯

[@allen73RMX]

Born in October 1973, i can understand...i was 6/7 years old in 1980 and mid 80's/90's and early 2000 was full of new genres and creativity, love the 90's

[@stevenskates8077]

I’m born 1991 and I go all the way back to these songs lol

[@MyteeBumbleBee]

Some beautiful times; prongs of pride, fun, and a whole lot of lovin’...Soul Music.

[@MyteeBumbleBee]

Songs of pride, fun, love, and respect for one another.

[@FRISCOBROWN]

Thanks a lot @beastmaster415 my brain and my eyes cannot forget or unsee!!!!! How dare you sir!!! Came out with suit shorts and boots and has thee audacity to be making up words as he performs about doing the robot!?!?! Sir how are we supposed to do a dance that we never seen or heard of??? WHAT DID I JUST WATCH DAMMIT!!!!!!

[@2lovemysmile]

"Black Ombinus" Tv show...never heard of this..LOL..with J.Earl Jones😂

[@MrGoodboyjoy]

Something is missing.... Everyone is a healthy weight... Everyone seem to be comfortable showing hair that actually coming out of one's own skull.... no Robotic twerking? Wait... Every one is peaceful not one fight I love this era!

[@aimeemoore1094]

Love some Rufus!!