Celebrating nearly five decades of music, the funk-rock band Mother’s Finest continues to impress audiences despite the world’s changing landscape.
Formed in the early 1970s, the Atlanta-based group has a history rich with perseverance, traversing through various cultural and musical eras. From the Vietnam War to the rugged punk and acid rock of the ’70s, the new wave of the ’80s, grunge in the ’90s, and the cultural shifts of the 2000s, the band has remained a steadfast presence in the music scene.
Glenn “Doc” Murdock, a co-founder of the band, attributes their longevity to what he calls “self-defense.” In a recent interview with ArtsATL, Murdock emphasized the band’s determination to keep creating and performing music, saying, “We keep puttin’ it out there, and we keep working because we want to and because we really have to!”
The band’s narrative includes moments when they thought their time was up but quickly bounces back with new inspiration. Murdock quipped, “But pretty soon, it’s always like, ‘Well, let’s go ahead and do some new stuff anyway.’”
This tenacity has brought the band not only income but joy, as Murdock noted, “I think the best part is, we still have fun doing it.”
Alongside fellow co-founder Joyce “Baby Jean” Kennedy, Murdock has been in the music game since the late ’60s. Their first meeting in Chicago catalyzed a partnership that would take them across the Midwest and East Coast, performing “USO shows, club gigs, it didn’t matter to us because we just wanted to play our music.”
Their journey brought them to Miami in the early ’70s, a time when musical tastes shifted toward more soul and harder rock influences. “By then, I think we were becoming what we’d been sort of dreaming about. But it sure took a long time,” Murdock reflected.
With the lineup solidifying by the addition of Jerry “Wyzard” Seay and Gary “Moses Mo” Moore, the band recorded their debut LP in 1972. However, their first experience with RCA didn’t meet expectations. “It wasn’t anything we wanted — at all,” Murdock recalled.
Despite this setback, the band’s commitment to creativity did not waver. The turning point came when they gained the attention of producer Tom Werman, leading to a signing with Epic Records. Their self-titled album released in 1976 marked a significant change in their career.
Murdock described the second release as “really cool,” highlighting how it was “so organic, and it was just what we wanted.” The critical acclaim was palpable, with predictions circulating that the band would surpass Led Zeppelin in popularity, but their momentum was cut short by the emergence of Boston’s sound.
The provocative track “Niggizz Can’t Sang Rock ‘n’ Roll” from their first Epic release garnered significant attention. Murdock detailed the inspiration behind it, noting, “I really went into a space to do that one… It was raw, it was asphalt, it was part of the world I came from.” The track sparked important conversations and dialogues, even among diverse audience members.
As the ’70s progressed, Mother’s Finest made it clear that they did not fit neatly into an R&B category. With the release of their third album, Another Mother Further in 1977, their track “Piece Of The Rock” became a declaration that they would not be pigeonholed into one genre. Murdock explained, “We needed to say that we wanted a piece of that rock ‘n’ roll.”
This anthem resonated, and the band successfully crossed genres, connecting with audiences worldwide. The energetic “Baby Love” illustrated their versatility, embracing elements from funk, R&B, and rock.
The band’s appeal transcends borders, with significant support from European audiences who appreciate their musical authenticity. Murdock noted, “They judge you by the music, and there’s no sort of racial thing. It’s just, is it good or is it bad?”
Despite multiple challenges, Mother’s Finest remains committed to their unique musical direction. Murdock confessed, “The great thing about it all is, we still wouldn’t have changed our ways… I don’t know if it’s because we are just hardheaded or what.”
This weekend, fans in Atlanta can experience the band’s dynamic live performances at two distinct venues. On Friday at the intimate setting of Eddie’s Attic, the band will engage audiences in a relaxed environment, followed by a bigger show at Buckhead Theatre on Saturday.
When asked about the contrast between the venues, Murdock humorously noted, “Hell no, we can’t do that! It’s embarrassing, man.” He remarked that attendees at Eddie’s Attic could expect the same electrifying rock performance they’re known for.
At both performances, Murdock will be joined by Joyce Kennedy on vocals, as well as band members Jerry “Wyzard” Seay, Gary “Moses Mo” Moore, John “Red Devil” Hayes on guitars, and his son Dion Derek Murdock on drums.
In the spirit of camaraderie and collaboration, Murdock described Dion as “sometimes a pain in the ass, and sometimes he’s one of the heaviest drummers we’ve ever had.”
With a passion for music and an unwavering spirit, Mother’s Finest continues to thrive, embracing challenges and evolution as they rock on through the years.
image source from：https://www.artsatl.org/atlanta-band-mothers-finest-is-a-true-rock-n-roll-survival-story/
