The group consisted of a powerhouse lineup of musicians, including: : Tenor saxophone, flute, and vocals. Richard Thompson : Lead guitar and vocals. Carlos Ward : Alto saxophone. Jamal Rasool (Louis Risbrook) : Bass. Dennis Rowe : Percussion. Terrell Wood : Drums. Barbara Wood : Vocals.
T. Express or see a list of that sampled "Express"? BT Express - Express
In the early 1970s, a new sound began rumbling through the streets of Brooklyn—a heavy, rhythmic blend of funk and burgeoning disco that would eventually be known as the "Brooklyn Sound". At the center of this movement was , a group that transformed the gritty energy of New York transit into dancefloor gold with their 1974 masterpiece, "Express" . The Birth of the Brooklyn Transit Express The group consisted of a powerhouse lineup of
: Though largely instrumental, it features the iconic chant: "Here comes the Express / The Express / Chug, Chug, Chug, Chug, Chug, UGH!" . Jamal Rasool (Louis Risbrook) : Bass
The band's heavy, bass-driven grooves left a permanent mark on music history, serving as a foundational blueprint for hip-hop. Their tracks have been sampled by legendary artists including . Whether it's the raw energy of their live performances on The Midnight Special or the synchronized moves of the Soul Train dancers to their beat, "Express" remains a definitive anthem of the 1970s funk era.
: The track is instantly recognizable by its intermittent train whistles and rhythmic "chug-chug" vocals.
: The song was a massive crossover hit, peaking at #1 on the Billboard R&B and Dance charts and #4 on the Billboard Pop chart. Legacy and Influence