The Unsung Heroes of R&B and Soul

"The Skull Snaps are a legendary 3 piece funk band who formed in New York City. Erv Littleton Waters, Sam O. Culley, and George Bragg released their self titled, classic album in 1973 along with a handful of singles before disappearing as an act. Part of the mystique surrounding this group and their debut album is that their is very little known information about them in pictures or writing, but the influence left by their music is widespread. They originally recorded as The Diplomats, but once their music began to gain notoriety they renamed themselves The Skull Snaps, after getting the idea from a fan's description of his skull snapping reaction to their music. Their musical style and sound of this band is pure funk and soul, with powerful, gospel influenced vocals, heavy bass grooves and incredible horn, guitar sections.

Promotional copies of It's A New Day and The Skull Snaps' debut were released on GSF Records at a limited amount, due to rising financial difficulties at the label which eventually caused it's collapse. After GSF folded, The Skull Snaps still managed to stay together as a band to record notable songs such as Manu Dibango’s “Soul Makossa” on Buddah, also collaborate with Screamin’ Jay Hawkins “Africa Gone Funky”. The band released their final single “Ain’t That Lovin’ You / Al’s Razor Blade,” in 1975, then separated to tour and record with other artists as solo musicians.


At the present time, The Skull Snaps are still actively performing and recording music, preparing to release a new album along with previously unreleased music from their 70's recording sessions. Aztec Musics reissued the debut Skull Snaps album, the first release that has been officially sanctioned by the band. Check out the deluxe version of their debut album which contains digitally remastered music, extensive liner notes containing new interviews and rare photos