Maceo and the Macks was a prominent funk and soul band in the 1970s, led by saxophonist Maceo Parker. The group was a spin-off from James Brown's band, with Parker's distinctive saxophone playing being a key component of their sound. The band is most known for their instrumental pieces, particularly "Cross the Tracks (We Better Go Back)" and "Soul Power 74", which had significant influence on the development of funk music. Despite being less recognized than some contemporaries, the band's unique blend of rhythmic complexity and melodic simplicity had a strong impact on the genre.