The “Mary Had a Little Lamb” horn lick that opens The Bar-Kays' first single “Soul Finger” was one of Stax Records' great moments—sonic proof that there was a party going on. That 1967 single made them an in-demand group both on their own and backing other artists; their next break would be backing Otis Redding on tour. Tragically, four of the members were in the plane crash that killed Redding. The two survivors formed a new Bar-Kays, playing on Isaac Hayes' breakthrough Hot Buttered Soul. Their own records turned to funk and disco, with 1972's “Son of Shaft” reviving the party feel.