Willie the Mighty Magnificents were a New Jersey-based funk ensemble led by guitarist/vocalist Willie Feaster, who recorded for Joe and Sylvia Robinson's All Platinum label family. Initially completed by bassist/keyboardist Val Burke and drummer Arnold Ramsey, the group had a harder, deeper, more Southern-tinged sound than the smooth soul artists who tended to dominate the label's output. Willie the Mighty Magnificents issued their first single, Check It Baby, in 1968 and followed it the next year with the cult funk classic Funky 8 Corners. Further single releases over 1969-1970 included Play That Funky Beat (originally titled Concerto in F), Make Me Your Slave b/w Soulin', and Think Funky. Their first full-length album, On Scene '70, featured some of those previous singles. Saxophonist Tyrone Johnson became a member of the group, and Skip McPhee and Ronnie Pace also filled the drum chair at various points. A second LP, Very Soulful, was released in 1972. The group also issued records under the name Willie West, including the single Get Away From Me Girl; there was also a Willie West LP, At Their Best. ~ Steve Huey, Rovi