One Hit Thunder Episode 265: “Funkytown” by Lipps, Inc. (f/ John Franklin)

When comedian John Franklin joined us for a round of music trivia back in December, he only got one question right—but it was an important one: Who sang “Funkytown”? That victorious moment has now come full circle, as John returns to help us take a deeper look at Lipps, Inc.’s massive 1980 hit and the whirlwind career of vocalist Cynthia Johnson. We get into how this Minneapolis-based studio project managed to top charts in 28 countries, briefly revive disco on its way out, and leave behind one of the most recognizable dance tracks of all time. With some surprising surprising facts and maybe a few Michael McDonald side tangents, this episode asks the big question—are we taking a trip to Funkytown, or do we simply gotta move on? Let’s talk about it, talk about it, talk about it, talk about it!