Hey there True Funk Soldiers, Funk Lovin’ Ladies and everyone in between thanks for joining us here back in the Funkisphere.

2024 was a challenging year here in the Funkisphere, we lost two friends, and contributors here in the space.

George Darden was an old friend, and classmate of ours from our days at Howard University back in the mid-1970’s

We both were the in the first  set of student interns to go om the air at Howard University’s WHUR in 1978. He later graduated that year and began a career in Telecommunications working at various positions for Verizon.

When this Podcast began there was no doubt that he’d be perfect in a role as being a contributor. He conducted Interviews, wrote Blog posts, and was a contributor to the twice yearly Roundtable discussions.

Darden left the show in 2015 to pursue other interests, he was a co-founder of the Choclate City Alliance which started  the “Funkmasters Ball” concert series which still runs today.

George passed away on February 3rd 2024

The other contributor, Robert “Bob” Davis deserves equal recognition as well. He and his brother Michael created the first Website, Soul-Patrol.net focused on the history of Black music from it’s beginnings to the future..

Without Soul-Partol there would be no Funk In The First Degree.

Bob was the longest running solo contributor on the Podcast. His insights and analysis to the show were immeasurable.

He passed away on February 11,2024.

They were our “Brothers in Funk”and they will be forever missed.