“The Horse” is a classic instrumental soul track by Cliff Nobles & Co., released in 1968 on the label Phil-L.A. of Soul. Although credited to Cliff Nobles, the track doesn’t feature his vocals; instead, it spotlights the infectious brass section of the backing band, MFSB (Mother Father Sister Brother)1—a group of top-notch session musicians based in Philadelphia.
The song was composed by Jesse James2, a talented songwriter and producer who collaborated frequently with Nobles. Initially, Cliff Nobles recorded a vocal track titled “Love Is All Right”, but the instrumental B-side, “The Horse,” unexpectedly became the hit. The song’s title refers to a dance popular in the 1960s, characterized by energetic, galloping movements. The instrumental style—featuring bold, driving horns over a steady rhythm section—
exemplifies the soul and funk sound emerging from Philadelphia at the time. The absence of lyrics allowed it to transcend cultural boundaries and become a dancefloor favorite. “The Horse” achieved significant commercial success, reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the summer of 1968, held back only by “Grazing in the Grass” by Hugh Masekela.
Mike Terry played the baritone saxophone on this recording. He was an influential American baritone saxophonist, arranger, and producer known for his distinctive, punchy sax riffs that defined the sound of Motown and soul music in the 1960s. As a key member of The Funk Brothers and later a prolific session musician, he played on countless classic hits, including “Heat Wave” by Martha and the Vandellas and “Baby Love” by The Supremes.
It also topped the Billboard R&B chart and enjoyed popularity on radio and dance scenes across the United States. Notably, “The Horse” remained on the Billboard Hot 100 for 14 weeks and was a staple at sporting events, particularly for its upbeat and motivational vibe. It’s often cited as one of the most successful instrumentals of the 1960s.
Several artists have covered “The Horse” over the years, often in live performances or as part of medleys celebrating the soul era. The original recording remains the most iconic, but the song’s brass arrangement has inspired countless marching bands and pep bands. Its enduring popularity in sporting events,
particularly American football and basketball games, cements its place in American pop culture. “The Horse” is emblematic of the Philadelphia soul sound3, which laid the groundwork for the development of disco and funk. Its appeal as a groove-heavy dance track has made it a timeless party favorite. The song’s instrumental nature has also lent itself to sampling by hip-hop artists, keeping it relevant across generations.
Footnotes
- MFSB (Mother Father Sister Brother) was a legendary group of over 30 talented session musicians based in Philadelphia, renowned for shaping the distinctive Philadelphia soul sound of the 1970s. Formed by producers Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff at Philadelphia International Records (PIR), MFSB backed numerous iconic artists, including The O’Jays, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, and Billy Paul. The group’s biggest hit was the 1974 instrumental “TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia),” which became the theme song for the TV show Soul Train and topped the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts. Their lush arrangements, tight rhythm section, and sophisticated orchestrations were integral to the rise of disco and soul music. MFSB’s influence is still felt today, with their grooves often sampled in hip-hop and R&B tracks. ↩︎
- Jesse James is an American singer, songwriter, and producer best known for his contributions to soul and R&B music from the 1960s onward. Originally from El Dorado, Arkansas, James gained recognition in the 1960s and 1970s for crafting heartfelt, socially conscious, and romantic songs. His most notable work as a songwriter includes “The Horse” by Cliff Nobles & Co., a 1968 instrumental hit that showcased the talents of MFSB and became a staple of the Philadelphia soul sound. As a solo artist, James achieved moderate success with tracks like “I Can Do Bad by Myself” and “If You Want a Love Affair,” blending soul, funk, and blues influences. Over the decades, he has remained active in the music industry, known for his passionate vocals and authentic storytelling. ↩︎
- Philadelphia soul, also known as Philly soul, is a lush, melodic style of soul music that emerged in the late 1960s and flourished throughout the 1970s, characterized by orchestrated arrangements, smooth vocals, and a blend of funk and jazz influences. Pioneered by producers Kenneth Gamble, Leon Huff, and Thom Bell at Philadelphia International Records (PIR), the genre emphasized romantic themes and socially conscious lyrics over sophisticated instrumentals, often featuring strings, horns, and layered harmonies. Iconic acts like The O’Jays, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Teddy Pendergrass, and MFSB helped define the sound, which was pivotal in shaping disco and influencing contemporary R&B. The 1974 instrumental “TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)” by MFSB, the theme song for Soul Train, became a defining anthem of the genre. Philadelphia soul’s polished, groove-oriented style remains an essential chapter in American music history and continues to inspire artists across genres. ↩︎
Further Reading
Sources
- Wikipedia “The Horse” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Horse
- The Guardian “Mike Terry” https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/dec/01/mike-terry-obituary
- AllMusic “Cliff Nobles” https://www.allmusic.com/artist/cliff-nobles-mn0000126669
- 45 Cat https://www.45cat.com/
