Of all the different sub-genres and influencers that shape the sound and vibe of today’s hits, Retro has been one of the most popular for the past two quarters.  Playing a role in just about half of all the songs that landed in the Hot 100 Top 10 during Q1 and Q2-2015, bygone eras have gotten a second lease on life in today’s mainstream.

Among the most popular was Retro R&B/Soul & Funk, with the late 1970s and early/mid 1980s being the most popular time period. In this Penn’s Picks Playlist we go back even further, to the songs and artists that started it all circa 1968 – 1974.

In it you’ll find Soul/Funk legends like James Brown, Jazz/Funk fusion innovators such as Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock, artists who hit it big in the mainstream like Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye, and amazing artists who you may have never heard of such as Fela Kuti.

Interspersed with familiar hits, deep cuts, and killer live performances, this Penn’s Picks Playlist is designed for you to get your groove on!