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🎶 What Happened to Them
1. Original Success & Breakup
Con Funk Shun rose to fame in the 1970s and ’80s with hits like “Ffun,” “Shake and Dance,” “Chase Me,” and “Love’s Train.”
Internal tensions and changing musical tastes led to the group breaking up in 1987 after disappointing sales on their last album, and members pursued solo careers.
2. Reunion and Continuing Career
They reunited in the early ’90s and have been performing in various lineups since then.
Today the group still tours and performs live shows, often featuring original members like Michael Cooper, Felton Pilate, and Karl Fuller alongside newer players.
They’ve been part of nostalgia and funk/R&B festival circuits, cruise events (like the Soul Train Cruise), and anniversary tours celebrating their legacy.
3. New Music and Legacy
The band has put out new music in recent years, including singles tied to a 2023/2024 project (“Text Me Tomorrow,” Smooth Jukebox).
They released an album in 2015 (More Than Love), marking their first new studio record in over two decades.
4. “Love’s Train” Revival
Their ballad “Love’s Train” wasn’t a single originally but became one of their most enduring songs. Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak) covered it and hit #1 on the charts in the 2020s, bringing renewed attention to the band’s catalog.
5. Honors & Recognition
Founders Michael Cooper and Felton Pilate have received honorary doctorates and Presidential Lifetime Achievement awards, reflecting their impact on music.
🎤 In Summary
So Con Funk Shun didn’t disappear — they broke up in the late ’80s, reformed later, and continue to perform and release music even today. Their classic hits still get play, and the modern homage from Silk Sonic has helped introduce them to new audiences.
1970–1975
Formed in Vallejo, California
Started as Project Soul
Discovered by Mercury Records
1976–1983 (Peak Years)
Renamed Con Funk Shun
Released a string of gold & platinum albums
Became one of the tightest live funk/R&B bands of the era
Regulars on Soul Train
1984–1987
Musical trends shift
Internal pressures + declining sales
Group disbands in 1987
Early 1990s
Reunion for touring
Begin performing on the “classic soul/funk” circuit
2010s–Present
Still touring with key original members
2015: More Than Love (first new album in 20+ years)
2022: “Love’s Train” revived by Silk Sonic
Continue festival, cruise, and international shows
🎧 Essential Con Funk Shun Songs (Starter Playlist)
🔥 Funk & Dance Classics
Ffun – Their signature party anthem
Shake and Dance – Pure dance-floor energy
Chase Me – Slick, upbeat funk
Too Tight – Groove-heavy with attitude
By Your Side – Smooth but funky
❤️ Slow Jams & Ballads
Love’s Train – Timeless soul ballad
Straight From the Heart – Deep romantic groove
Baby I’m Hooked (Right Into Your Love)
So Easy – Underrated gem
🎼 Albums to Start With
Secrets (1977) – Breakthrough album
Loveshine (1978) – Polished funk & soul
Spirit of Love (1980) – Peak popularity
Touch (1980) – Includes “Love’s Train”
