Introduction:
Gettin’ Down with Sunshine: The History of “That’s the Way (I Like It)”
The infectious groove of “That’s the Way (I Like It)” by KC and the Sunshine Band isn’t just catchy, it’s a landmark of 70s funk and disco. But the song’s origins and rise to fame are as much a part of its story as the unforgettable rhythm.
In 1973, Harry Wayne Casey, better known as KC, was already leading a band called KC and the Sunshine Band. They’d released one album, but it wasn’t until their self-titled sophomore effort in 1975 that they struck gold. According to some accounts, the song’s irresistible horn riff came about by pure chance. While recording another song, band member Jerome Brown started messing around with a catchy horn line on his trombone. KC, recognizing a hit in the making, built the rest of the song around it.
The lyrics themselves are open to interpretation. The repeated refrain of “I like it” is undeniable, but what exactly “it” refers to is more ambiguous. Some listeners took it as a celebration of life’s good times, while others caught a double entendre, a suggestion of romantic bliss. Regardless of interpretation, the song’s energy was undeniable.
Released in June 1975, “That’s the Way (I Like It)” became a runaway success. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart and stayed there for three weeks. The song wasn’t just a hit in the US; it climbed the charts internationally, solidifying KC and the Sunshine Band’s place as disco and funk pioneers.
The song’s influence transcended the disco era. It’s been sampled countless times by hip-hop and pop artists, keeping its infectious energy alive for new generations. In 2004, it was even added to the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress, a testament to its cultural significance.
So crank up the volume and get ready to feel good. “That’s the Way (I Like It)” isn’t just a song, it’s a timeless invitation to the dance floor, a reminder that sometimes the best things in life come in the form of a simple groove.