Dyke & The Blazers, Let a Woman Be a Woman | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 135^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Let a Woman Be a Woman” by Dyke & The Blazers.

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶! Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome. In the 135^th edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Let A Woman Be A Woman – Let A Man Be A Man” performed by Dyke & The Blazers.

“Some people say now / Living in a joke, ha / People said, yes, they did / Country’s going up in smoke.” Oh, snap, Dyke & The Blazers. Memorably, Arlester Christian (1943 – 1971), leader of the American funk band, asserts, “I got a message / They need to know / Gotta let a woman be a woman / And let a man be a man.” Those unforgettable lyrics hail from the song, fittingly named “Let A Woman Be A Woman – Let A Man Be A Man”. Let A Woman Be A Woman – Let A Man Be A Man,” which was released in 1969, is one of the collective’s most successful songs. It peaked at number 36 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Christian penned the classic while Art Barrett and Art Laboe produced it. Tragically, Christian was shot and killed at age 27 in 1971, which marked the untimely end of the talented band.

“But listen, dig it now / Some people don’t like / The way Sally walks.” I have no doubt, Arlester.  The lyrics are one of many reasons why “Let A Woman Be A Woman – Let A Man Be A Man” stands out.  The melodies are also tuneful, brought to life by the gritty, powerful vocals of Arlester. He is assertive and confident, and infuses plenty of personality throughout his performance, whether singing, speaking, or talk-singing. Beyond the singing and lyrics, the music is epic. The instrumental is funky from the get-go. Each element is special, particularly the drum groove, which ranks among the best in history. Who doesn’t love a badass breakbeat? Beyond the drums, the record thrives on an active bass line, sickening rhythm guitar, and ill, biting, articulated horns.  Unsurprisingly, “Let A Woman Be A Woman – Let A Man Be A Man” has been sampled hundreds of times – it’s a big, big funky deal! It is a shame that Dyke & The Blazers didn’t last longer, but at least they delivered an irresistible, timeless gem.