MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The soul-funk band Bar-Kays is celebrating 50 years in music by donating proceeds from their performances this year to five charities.
The band says it plans to give a portion of the proceeds raised during the year to the Down Syndrome Association of Memphis, United Way of the Mid-South, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Stax Music Academy and the Allen Jones-Marjorie Barringer-Bar-Kays Scholarship Fund.
The presentation will be made during the Bar-Kays' 50th anniversary celebration Dec. 4 in Memphis.
The group was conceived in 1964 and became the house band at the influential Stax Records in 1966.
They also were Otis Redding's touring band. Redding and four Bar-Kays died in a plane crash in 1967.
The band re-formed, releasing songs such as "Soul Finger" and "Son of Shaft."