The Bar-Kays are an American soul, R&B, and funk group, originally formed in 1966 in Memphis, Tennessee. Known for their energetic performances and tight brass section, they were once the backing band for prominent Stax Records artist, Otis Redding. Tragically, most original members died in the same 1967 plane crash that killed Redding. The two survivors, James Alexander and Ben Cauley, rebuilt the group, which had considerable success in the 1970s with hits like "Soul Finger" and "Shake Your Rump to the Funk". The Bar-Kays' influence is significant in the evolution of soul and funk music.