The Stone City Band was an American R&B and funk band, best known as Rick James' backing band during the peak of his career in the late '70s and '80s. Their signature sound blended funk, rock, and soul, and featured distinctive elements such as James' raw vocal style and the band's tight horn and rhythm sections. Though primarily recognized for their collaborations with James, the Stone City Band also released several albums on their own, including "In 'N' Out" (1980) and "The Boys Are Back" (1981). Despite their secondary role, the band significantly contributed to the landscape of funk music and helped define the 'punk-funk' style that James popularized.