Kinston in Lenoir County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Birth of Funk
— Legends & Lore —
Photographed By Dave W, June 17, 2023
1. Birth of Funk Marker
Innovative musicians from Kinston helped create Funk Music in the 1960s with James Brown’s Band. Starting with Nat Jones.
Erected 2021 by North Carolina Folklife Institute / William C. Pomeroy Foundation. (Marker Number 100.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Communications • Entertainment.
Location. 35° 15.694′ N, 77° 34.854′ W. Marker is in Kinston, North Carolina, in Lenoir County. Marker is at the intersection of East Gordon Street and North Queen Street, on the right when traveling east on East Gordon Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 135 N Queen St, Kinston NC 28501, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Kinston Sit-Ins (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Town Of Kingston (about 800 feet away); Lenoir County WW I and WW II Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); In Honor and Remembrance (approx. 0.2 miles away); Cat Hole (approx. 0.2 miles away); CSS Neuse (approx. 0.2 miles away); Walk of Honor Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Caswell (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kinston.
Also see . . . Additional information of the Birth of Funk
this page online
The rhythm-derived musical genre of funk was popularized in the 1970s and 1980s, however its roots extend back earlier still. Famed musician Nathaniel “Nat” Jones of Kinston, and other African American musical pioneers from eastern North Carolina played a vital role in shaping its development and bringing it to the masses.(Submitted on June 18, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado.)
Photographed By Dave W, June 17, 2023
2. Birth of Funk Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 19, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 18, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 152 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 18, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
