That Groovy Crossword Clue: The Story of the ‘Why Can’t We Be Friends?’ Band
There it is, sitting in the grid, practically humming a familiar tune at you. The clue is simple: “‘Why Can’t We Be Friends?’ band.” The song immediately starts playing in your head—that simple, infectious organ riff, the sing-along chorus. You know it. You’ve heard it in movies, at barbecues, on the radio for decades. But the name of the band? It’s right there, on the tip of your tongue, just beyond the reach of your pen.
It’s the kind of crossword clue that feels like a friendly handshake from the puzzle constructor, a gimme that suddenly becomes a head-scratcher. Before you go alphabet-running through the empty squares, let’s take a little trip back to the sun-drenched streets of Long Beach, California, in the early 1970s. This is where one of music’s most unique and enduring groups was born.
The band in question wasn’t just another rock outfit. They were a musical and cultural phenomenon, a veritable melting pot of musicians from different backgrounds. Their lineup reflected the diverse, multicultural landscape of Southern California, bringing together African American, Mexican American, and white musicians in a way that was revolutionary for the time. This fusion wasn’t just in their personnel; it was the very essence of their sound. They stirred a potent cocktail of funk, soul, jazz, Latin, and reggae into a sound that was entirely their own.
Their music became the soundtrack to a generation. You can’t think of cruising down a boulevard on a hot summer day without the iconic, rumbling bassline of “Low Rider” coming to mind. Their hit “The Cisco Kid” blended storytelling with a smooth, laid-back groove that felt both cinematic and deeply cool. But it was “Why Can’t We Be Friends?” that perfectly captured their spirit. The song, with its charmingly simple lyrics and universally understood message, wasn’t just a catchy pop tune; it was a mission statement. It was an anthem of unity and harmony born from a band that lived that message every day. It wasn’t just a lyric; it was their reality.
So, what makes them such a perfect crossword clue? They occupy that sweet spot of pop culture knowledge. They are famous enough to be recognizable, but not so overtly mainstream that their name is an instant recall for everyone. They are a beloved piece of music history, a band whose influence far outstripped their chart-topping hits. Their legacy is etched into the cultural consciousness, making them a recurring and welcome guest in any crossword grid.
The next time you see this particular crossword clue staring back at you, perhaps this little journey will shake the answer loose. Think of that groovy, multicultural vibe, that seamless blend of sounds, and that timeless question they posed to the world. Now, with that bassline thumping in your memory, those empty squares shouldn’t stand a chance.
Available Answers:
WAR.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Sunday’s Daily By Marc Goldstein / Ed. Patti Varol