The Histroy of the Funky Chicken
The
Funky Chicken is a dance that has managed to pop up at thousands of weddings
and family gatherings all across the United States. While many people know all
of the flapping and clucking steps, few people know where this absurd ritual
came from. Due to the polka beat, some mistake this as a German tradition.
However, the dance was invented by a Memphis musician named Rufus Thomas in
1969. Rufus' career stretched over 70 years and included film, comedy, and DJ work. He also invented the popular dance Walking the dog and remains one of the most influential figures on the Memphis sound. His song Do the Funky Chicken was inspired by African American vernacular culture, possibly originating in Philadelphia.
The Funky Chicken has also found its way into football history. In 1974 the Houston Oilers were trailing Pittsburgh Steelers by 13 points. After a surprise touchdown by Billy "White Shoes" Johnson, the young rookie proceeded to do the world's first touchdown dance; it was the Funky Chicken. Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken, Funky Chicken