If you think the hits of Gloria Estefan, 2 Live Crew, and Pitbull are Miami's sole musical contributions to the world, then you've got another thing coming.
Over the years, the 305 has been a veritable bastion of the international recording industry, thanks to legendary studios like the Hit Factory/Criteria and seminal local labels like TK Records.
Booty bass and Latin pop might be our main exports. But we can also take pride in having cut some of the finest records in classic rock, R&B, and soul. And we're talking gold records by some of the most iconic musicians ever.
5. James Brown's "I Got You (I Feel Good)"
One of the most recognizable tunes of all time and Criteria Studio's first gold record -- the first of many to come in the four decades that followed. It's befitting that "Mr. Dynamite" would cut one of his funkiest, hip-shaking jams in the city later made infamous by sexually explicit Miami bass and hip-hop. If you think about it, "I Got You (I Feel Good)" is almost the 2 Live Crew's "Me So Horny" of the mid '60s.
4. KC and the Sunshine Band's "Get Down Tonight"
Before the Sunshine Band was making headlines thanks to bass player Richard Finch's sexual molestation charges, they were the hottest thing to come out of Miami in the disco era. This cut from their eponymous debut album brought them and their Miami-based label, TK Records, a whole mess of success.
3. Fleetwood Mac's "Go Your Own Way"
It's no surprise that part of Fleetwood Mac's landmark album Rumours was recorded in Miami, considering the Scarface-style mountains of cocaine the band members were snorting right on the mixing console during each session. The LP remains a universal favorite after four decades, and its multi-platinum certification was another major notch on Criteria Studios' belt.
2. Bob Marley's "Could You Be Loved"
Supposedly this beloved 1979 Bob Marley gem was written while The Wailers were high above the clouds. No, really. It was supposedly written during an airplane jam session.
1. Bobby Caldwell's "What You Won't Do For Love"
Adult alternative radio stations aren't the only ones who've kept Bobby Caldwell's 1978 TK Records hit in heavy rotation over the years. "What You Won't Do For Love" is also one of the most sampled and covered songs of all time, with the likes of Aaliyah, 2Pac, Mariah Carey, Master P, and even UK drum 'n' bass don Goldie having borrowed it at one point or another.
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