Lipps Inc.’s 1979 song “Funkytown” made the American group a one-hit wonder.
The song was written and produced by Steven Greenberg, with vocals by Cynthia Johnson. Greenberg wrote it while imagining a move from Minneapolis to New York City, which he viewed as a more exciting musical destination. The lyrics ask for a place where the music and nightlife feel more energetic, giving the song its celebratory urban theme.
“Funkytown” became a major disco-era success after its release in 1979 and reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1980. It also topped charts in Canada, Australia, and several European countries. Its prominent synthesizer riff and dance-floor beat made it a lasting example of late-disco pop.
The title is sometimes mixed up with “Boogie Wonderland” or “Le Freak,” but those songs were recorded by different artists. Lipps Inc. had other releases, though none approached this single’s worldwide impact.