The Beginning of the End: The Funk Pioneers of The Bahamas
Introduction
In the pantheon of Caribbean music, reggae, calypso, and soca have long held dominant positions. However, nestled within the sonic shores of The Bahamas, a unique blend of soul, funk, and island rhythm gave rise to a sound that captivated both local and international audiences in the 1970s. At the heart of this innovation stood The Beginning of the End, a Bahamian funk band formed in 1969, whose energetic grooves and powerful instrumentation brought them a brief but impactful prominence in the global music scene. With their breakout hit "Funky Nassau", they not only carved a space for themselves in music history but also contributed to expanding the possibilities of Caribbean musical identity. This essay provides an in-depth, factual, and comprehensive look at The Beginning of the End—their origins, music, influence, and legacy.
Origins and Formation
The Beginning of the End was formed in 1971 in Nassau, New Providence, the capital of The Bahamas. The band consisted of three brothers:
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Frank Munnings – drums
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Ray Munnings – keyboards, vocals
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Roy Munnings – guitar
They were joined by two other talented musicians:
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Fred Henfield – bass
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Livingston Colebrook – lead guitar
The band’s creation coincided with a growing interest in funk and soul music in the Caribbean. During the 1960s and 70s, many young Bahamians were exposed to American soul and rhythm and blues (R&B) via radio, cruise tourism, and visiting artists. Influenced by James Brown, Sly and the Family Stone, Curtis Mayfield, and The Meters, the Munnings brothers sought to create a unique sound that fused American funk with Bahamian rhythmic sensibilities and Afro-Caribbean musical heritage.
They named themselves The Beginning of the End to signal both a bold new chapter in Bahamian music and a philosophical edge—suggesting a change in the course of traditional island sound.
"Funky Nassau": The Breakout Hit
In 1971, the band recorded and released their debut single "Funky Nassau – Part 1" backed by "Funky Nassau – Part 2", which became a smash hit and remains their most enduring legacy.
Chart Performance:
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Reached #15 on the Billboard Hot 100 (U.S.)
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Reached #7 on the Billboard R&B Chart
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Charted in the UK Singles Chart at #31
The song was produced by Marlin Productions, under the Alston Records label (a subsidiary of Atlantic Records), and distributed by Atco Records.
Musical Analysis:
"Funky Nassau" is a compelling blend of syncopated funk grooves, brassy horn lines, percussive polyrhythms, and a steady Caribbean beat. Lyrically, it celebrates the vibrant life and culture of Nassau, The Bahamas, while simultaneously boasting of the band’s musical prowess.
Key musical features:
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Strong backbeat with funky drum and bass
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Jazzy horn section reminiscent of New Orleans funk
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Call-and-response vocals
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Caribbean percussion interwoven with American funk guitar licks
The song stood out because it was a fusion track, pioneering a hybrid sound that was neither wholly American funk nor completely Bahamian goombay or rake-and-scrape. It was fresh, danceable, and politically savvy—offering a joyful but proud statement of Caribbean identity.
Debut Album: Funky Nassau (1971)
The success of the single led to a full-length LP, “Funky Nassau”, released in 1971. It featured the hit single and other original compositions that continued to explore their funk and soul roots, with a Caribbean twist.
Tracklist (selected):
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Funky Nassau – Part I
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Funky Nassau – Part II
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Come Down
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Sleep On Dream On
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Gee Whiz, It's Christmas
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Monkey Tamarind
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In the Deep
Each track showcased the band’s tight musicianship, innovative arrangements, and ability to blend diverse musical influences. Songs like "Monkey Tamarind" and "Come Down" displayed more of their Afro-Caribbean rhythmic elements, while "Sleep On Dream On" leaned toward classic R&B balladry.
Despite the initial commercial success, the album did not lead to a prolonged mainstream career. Nevertheless, Funky Nassau has remained a cult classic in funk circles.
Musical Style and Innovation
What distinguished The Beginning of the End from other Caribbean bands of the time was their refusal to be boxed into genre norms. They were trailblazers in blending:
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American funk/soul with
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Afro-Caribbean rhythms
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Bahamian local storytelling
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Brassy jazz textures
Their use of live instrumentation, horn sections, and percussion-heavy arrangements gave their music a celebratory feel while maintaining dance floor appeal.
In many ways, The Beginning of the End prefigured later genre mashups that would define Caribbean diaspora music—such as reggae funk, soca fusion, and Caribbean jazz.
Cultural and Historical Significance
The Beginning of the End holds a special place in Bahamian and Caribbean music history for several reasons:
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Global Recognition of Bahamian Funk
Their international chart success with “Funky Nassau” put The Bahamas on the map as a source of innovative musical talent. They were among the first Bahamian bands to achieve this level of success without relying on typical tourist-oriented calypso or goombay music. -
Cultural Ambassadors
Through their music and lyrics, they celebrated and exported Bahamian pride and identity. Their references to local customs and the energy of Nassau made “Funky Nassau” a kind of unofficial anthem for the city. -
Inspiration for Future Generations
They paved the way for future Bahamian musicians to experiment beyond traditional genres and embrace global styles while retaining local flavor. Artists in The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean cite them as influences, especially in the development of Bahamian R&B and hip hop scenes. -
Sampling and Reuse
“Funky Nassau” has been sampled and covered by several artists, including:-
Beastie Boys
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ATFC and OnePhatDeeva
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The Blues Brothers (live performance cover)
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Erykah Badu (inspired interpolations)
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This continued relevance has helped maintain their legacy in contemporary music.
Decline and Disbandment
Despite their early promise, The Beginning of the End did not sustain a long-term recording career. After their debut album, the band gradually disbanded as members pursued solo careers or moved into other professions. The lack of strong industry infrastructure in The Bahamas at the time, combined with limited support for Caribbean funk internationally, contributed to their relatively short run.
Notably, Ray Munnings continued to be active in music and public life and became involved in various cultural initiatives in The Bahamas.
Legacy and Recognition
Although their discography is small, The Beginning of the End’s contribution to Caribbean music is immense. Their hit song and innovative sound have earned them lasting recognition. In The Bahamas, they are revered as musical pioneers, and their influence can still be felt in local music festivals, cultural celebrations, and in the pride of Bahamian musicians who seek to blend local roots with global rhythms.
Their 1971 LP Funky Nassau is now considered a rare groove collector’s item and has been reissued on vinyl by labels like Strut Records, bringing their music to new generations of funk and soul enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The Beginning of the End were more than just a one-hit wonder; they were cultural trailblazers who fused the soul of The Bahamas with the funk of America to produce something wholly original and infectious. With “Funky Nassau,” they not only created a timeless anthem but also expanded the horizons of Caribbean music. Though their time in the limelight was brief, their impact endures—as a symbol of Bahamian creativity, cultural pride, and musical ingenuity. They truly marked the beginning of a new sound, one that has never quite seen its end.
