Mother's Finest: The Funk Rock Band That You Wouldn't Want To Have Supporting You
In the mid-70s, the rock scene was buzzing with heavyweights like Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, but there was one band that turned heads and broke barriers—Mother’s Finest. On the 25th of November 1976, at Chicago’s International Amphitheater, Sabbath fans expecting a night of doom-laden riffs were left stunned by the powerhouse opening act. Imagine being one of the thousands in the crowd that night, already a bit underwhelmed by Sabbath's latest album Technical Ecstasy, only to be hit with the fierce, unrelenting funk ‘n’ roll of Mother’s Finest. Their audacious fusion of searing rock and deep soul, delivered in platform boots and gritty, roaring guitar riffs, brought the house down. Fans found themselves mesmerised by a band they hadn’t anticipated, stealing the thunder from the Birmingham legends.
The Early Days: Origins and Breakthrough
Mother’s Finest had already begun making waves by the time they hit the stage with Sabbath. The band had released their self-titled album on Epic Records, featuring the provocative single “Niggizz Can’t Sang Rock & Roll.” This track was a reworked version of their earlier 1972 single, “It’s What You Do With What You Got,” and showcased the raw energy that defined the band. The album helped them land prestigious slots supporting acts like AC/DC and The Who, and Mother’s Finest quickly earned a reputation as “the most dangerous opening band in rock.” Their high-octane performances, blending rock and funk with a fearlessness that challenged genre boundaries, set them apart.
Their sophomore album, Another Mother Further, cemented their position in the rock world, bringing more aggressive riffs and even a touch of Led Zeppelin influence. Mother’s Finest guitarist Gary Moore (not to be confused with the Irish blues-rock icon) caught listeners’ attention by borrowing riffs from Zeppelin’s Custard Pie, and it’s long been a source of intrigue as to why Zeppelin’s famously litigious camp never pursued action for what was, in essence, a homage to Page’s work. Yet, the irony wasn’t lost on critics who noted Zeppelin's own history of “borrowing” from earlier artists.
The Dynamic Duo: Joyce Kennedy and Glenn Murdock
At the heart of Mother’s Finest was the explosive vocal power of Joyce Kennedy, who fronted the band with unmatched intensity. Born in 1948, Joyce Kennedy moved to Chicago in 1955 with her mother. Chicago was a thriving centre for blues and soul music in the 50s and 60s, and Chess Records, the legendary label that championed Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, and Willie Dixon, was at the heart of this musical revolution. Kennedy found herself in the perfect environment to nurture her vocal talents. By her teenage years, she had already tasted local success with minor hits, and her path to stardom seemed inevitable.
Her meeting with fellow vocalist Glenn Murdock was a fateful one. The two formed both a musical and personal partnership, and by 1975, the two were married and Mother’s Finest was born. Together, they brought a unique dynamic to the band, with Kennedy’s fiery stage presence and powerhouse vocals blending perfectly with Murdock’s smoother style. Their diverse sound and relentless energy allowed them to transcend the boundaries of genre, performing with bands from all corners of the rock and funk worlds.
Challenging Stereotypes in Rock
What set Mother’s Finest apart was not just their sound, but their defiance of musical stereotypes. In a time when rock was predominantly a white, male-dominated genre, Mother’s Finest, a mixed-race band fronted by a powerful Black woman, smashed through those barriers. They stood alongside other trailblazing acts like War and Mandrill, who were redefining the genre boundaries of rock, soul, and funk. Mother’s Finest challenged perceptions, showing that rock could be soulful, and funk could be heavy.
Their single “Niggizz Can’t Sang Rock & Roll” wasn’t just provocative in title—it was a bold statement about racial identity in rock music. The band faced resistance and controversy, but their refusal to be pigeonholed became one of their defining traits. Joyce Kennedy, often compared to icons like Chaka Khan, brought a raw intensity that drew in fans from all walks of life. Her performances, especially covers like Jefferson Airplane’s “Somebody to Love,” were electric, proving that she could not only keep pace with the greatest voices in rock but surpass them.
Legacy and Influence
Over the decades, Mother’s Finest became known for their relentless energy, genre-blending style, and refusal to conform. Their 70s albums, particularly Another Mother Further, remain cult classics, revered by those who witnessed the band’s trailblazing performances. Mother’s Finest proved that rock was not about adhering to rules but breaking them. Their sound was as much about rebellion as the lyrics of their time, embracing the rawness of rock while injecting it with the soul of funk.
Joyce Kennedy, now in her 70s, continues to perform, bringing the same energy and presence that first lit up the Chicago scene back in the day. Mother’s Finest may not have achieved the commercial success of some of their peers, but their influence runs deep. Bands like Living Colour, and later Rage Against the Machine, took notes from Mother’s Finest, proving that music transcends race and genre when done with passion and conviction.
Mother’s Finest’s story is one of a band that refused to be boxed in, a group whose live performances could challenge even the biggest headliners. Their impact on the world of rock and funk is undeniable, and their legacy continues to inspire a new generation of musicians who see the possibilities in blending genres, defying expectations, and bringing unbridled energy to the stage.
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