One of the era’s finest funk bands, WAR merged funk with Latin music to create a potent cultural hybrid. Formed in 1969 and hailing from southern California, the group is perhaps best known for their songs “Spill the Wine” and “Low Rider.” WAR was a musical crossover band, which fused elements of rock, funk, jazz, Latin, rhythm and blues, and reggae. In its early days, WAR drew its flavor from South Central Los Angeles. Although WAR’s lyrics were sometimes political in nature, their music almost always had a sunny, laid-back vibe emblematic of their Southern California roots. Their grooving interplay placed WAR in the top echelon of funk ensembles. They were here through the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s and are celebrating their 40
th anniversary in 2011. WAR’s consistent catalogue sales and thriving tour business is a tribute to the timelessness of its music and message. WAR has had a profound influence on contemporary American music and has been embraced by media around the world. Their extensive discography includes commercials, television, movies and videogames. WAR has twice been honored by it’s hometown of Los Angeles, over 20 years apart, for its music making positive contributions to the betterment of the community and has been endowed with 17 gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards. The band has sold over 50 million records to date and tours over 150 dates a year to audiences ranging from tens of thousands to intimate club venues. Currently, WAR can be found in the studio working on their first release of new material in over 14 years, to be released in the summer of 2011.
