meters

Biography

The Meters are an American funk band formed in 1965 in New Orleans, Louisiana, by Art Neville (keyboards/vocals), George Porter Jr. (bass), Leo Nocentelli (guitar), and Joseph 'Zigaboo' Modeliste (drums). Art Neville, already a prominent figure in New Orleans R&B, assembled the group, which quickly became central to the city's vibrant music scene. Their early years saw them performing as the house band for Allen Toussaint's Sansu Enterprises, backing artists such as Lee Dorsey and Dr. John, and developing their signature sound rooted in tight grooves, syncopated rhythms, and melodic interplay.

Throughout the late 1960s and 1970s, The Meters released influential tracks like "Cissy Strut," "Look-Ka Py Py," and "Chicken Strut," which are now considered funk classics. Their music blended New Orleans 'second line' rhythms with soulful funk, helping to define the genre nationally. Despite limited mainstream chart success, their innovative style made them sought-after collaborators for artists including Paul McCartney, Robert Palmer, Labelle, and The Rolling Stones, who invited them to open on major tours. The band underwent lineup changes in the late 1970s, with Art and Cyril Neville departing to form The Neville Brothers, while other members became prominent session musicians and bandleaders in their own right.

The Meters' legacy is profound: they are regarded as originators of funk alongside James Brown, influencing countless musicians across genres. Their work has been recognized with multiple Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominations and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018. The band has periodically reunited under various names, including The Funky Meters, continuing to inspire new generations of artists with their groundbreaking sound.

Fun Facts

• The Meters performed on Saturday Night Live in 1977, during the show's second season.
• Their song 'Cissy Strut' is considered a foundational funk instrumental and has been covered by numerous artists.
• The Meters were the house band for Allen Toussaint, often recording tracks for other artists without knowing who would sing on them.
• Paul McCartney was so impressed by The Meters that he invited them to play at his album release party aboard the Queen Mary in 1975, with Mick Jagger in attendance.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Allen Toussaint - Producer, songwriter, and arranger who hired The Meters as his house band and shaped their early sound. (Lee Dorsey's 'Yes We Can', 'Who’s Gonna Help Brother Get Further') [1965–1977]

Key Collaborators

• Art Neville - Founding member, keyboardist, and vocalist; later formed The Neville Brothers. (All Meters albums, The Neville Brothers) [1965–1977]
• George Porter Jr. - Founding member and bassist; continued as session musician and bandleader. (All Meters albums, Funky Meters) [1965–present]
• Leo Nocentelli - Founding member and guitarist; key contributor to the band's sound. (All Meters albums) [1965–present]
• Joseph 'Zigaboo' Modeliste - Founding member and drummer; renowned for innovative funk rhythms. (All Meters albums) [1965–present]
• Cyril Neville - Percussionist and vocalist; joined later and contributed to the band's evolving sound. (Meters albums (1970s), The Neville Brothers) [1970s]
• Allen Toussaint - Producer and frequent collaborator; pivotal in their studio work. (Lee Dorsey sessions, Meters recordings) [1965–1977]
• Dr. John - Collaborated on studio recordings and live performances. (Dr. John albums) [1970s]
• Paul McCartney - Invited The Meters to perform at his album release party. (Venus and Mars release party)
• The Rolling Stones - Invited The Meters to open for their tours. (Tour of the Americas '75, Tour of Europe '76) [1975–1976]

Artists Influenced

• Red Hot Chili Peppers - Cited The Meters as a major influence on their funk-rock style. (Various RHCP albums) [1980s–present]
• Beastie Boys - Sampled and referenced The Meters in their music. (Paul's Boutique)
• Jamiroquai - Inspired by The Meters' grooves and funk rhythms. (Early Jamiroquai albums) [1990s]
• Neville Brothers - Formed by former Meters members, continued their musical legacy. (Neville Brothers albums) [1977–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Cissy Strut (The Meters)
2. Just Kissed My Baby (Rejuvenation)
3. Cissy Strut (Funkify Your Life: The Meters Anthology)
4. Hey Pocky A-Way - 2002 Remaster (Rejuvenation)
5. Fire on the Bayou (Fire on the Bayou)
6. Hand Clapping Song (Struttin')
7. Stormy (The Meters)
8. People Say (Rejuvenation)
9. It Ain't No Use (Rejuvenation)
10. They All Ask'd for You (Fire on the Bayou)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia