Owen "Onnie" McIntyre

Owen "Onnie" McIntyre is a Scottish musician best known as the guitarist and vocalist for the iconic funk and soul band Average White Band (AWB). Formed in 1972, AWB achieved significant success in the 1970s with their blend of R&B, funk, and jazz, characterized by tight grooves and melodic hooks. McIntyre's guitar work, alongside the band's signature horn arrangements, contributed to their distinctive sound. Notable works include the hit singles “Pick Up the Pieces,” which reached No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart and No. 5 on the Hot 100, and “Cut the Cake.” The band's self-titled album "Average White Band" (1974) and "Soul Searching" (1976) are also critically acclaimed, showcasing McIntyre's talents and the group's cohesive musicianship. AWB's influence on the funk genre is significant, paving the way for future artists and bands to explore similar sounds. Their music remains popular and is frequently sampled in contemporary hip-hop and R&B, illustrating McIntyre's lasting impact on the music industry.