The Highlighters (band)
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1963 |
| Headquarters | Indianapolis, Indiana , United States |
Area served | Indiana, United States |
| Products | Funk music recordings |
The Highlighters were a funk ensemble originating from Indianapolis, Indiana, active between 1963 and 1971, recognized for their regional chart successes during the late 1960s and early 1970s.
History
Established in 1963 by jazz artists attending Crispus Attucks High School in Indianapolis, the group transitioned into funk music following the drafting of several key members into the Vietnam War. Their songs Poppin Popcorn and The Funky 16 Corners achieved notable popularity within Indiana.
After serving in Vietnam, original drummer James "Porkchop" Edwards attempted to return to the band; however, internal disagreements resulted in the group's breakup in 1971. Some members, including Dewayne "Funky Buzzard" Garvin, pursued further careers in music, collaborating with performers like Marvin Gaye. In 2010, trumpeter Clifford Ratliff received induction into the Indianapolis Jazz Hall of Fame.
During the 1990s, The Highlighters' recordings were re-released, gaining interest among music collectors. The track Funky 16 Corners appeared on the 2001 namesake compilation album and was also part of the soundtrack for the 2012 movie Hit and Run.