American funk band formed in 1965 in New Orleans

The Meters were an influential American funk band from New Orleans, Louisiana, known for helping shape the sound of funk music in the late 1960s and 1970s. The group combined rhythm and blues, soul, blues, and traditional New Orleans rhythms to create a distinctive musical style. Their music featured tight rhythms, strong bass lines, syncopated guitar parts, and lively keyboard melodies. Although they did not achieve the same level of mainstream fame as some other funk groups, they earned lasting respect from musicians and music fans for their originality and musical skill.

The original members of The Meters were Art Neville on keyboards, George Porter Jr. on bass, Leo Nocentelli on guitar, and Joseph “Zigaboo” Modeliste on drums. The band came together in the mid-1960s and became closely associated with New Orleans producer Allen Toussaint. In addition to recording their own music, they worked as session musicians for other artists, including Lee Dorsey and Dr. John. Their ability to create infectious grooves made them an important part of the New Orleans recording

One of The Meters’ most famous songs is “Cissy Strut,” released in 1969. The instrumental recording became a funk classic because of its memorable guitar riff, distinctive bass line, and tightly coordinated drumming. Other popular songs by the group include “Sophisticated Cissy,” “Look-Ka Py Py,” “Chicken Strut,” and “Hey Pocky A-Way.” Much of their music relied on instrumental performances rather than traditional verse-and-chorus songwriting, allowing the musicians’ individual talents and rhythmic creativity to stand

During the 1970s, The Meters released several influential albums, including Rejuvenation (1974), Fire on the Bayou (1975), and Trick Bag (1976). They also toured with The Rolling Stones and contributed to recordings by artists such as Robert Palmer and Paul McCartney. In 1975, Cyril Neville joined the group as a percussionist and vocalist, adding another dimension to their sound. Despite their musical achievements, business disagreements contributed to the band's breakup in the late 1970s.

The Meters’ influence continued long after their original run. Their recordings became an important source of inspiration for later funk, hip-hop, and other popular music, with producers sampling their distinctive drum breaks and grooves. The band reunited for performances in later years, and its members continued to perform in different musical combinations. In 2018, The Meters received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of their contribution to music. Today, they are widely regarded as pioneers of New Orleans funk whose innovative sound helped shape generations of musicians.