The Average White Band (AWB) was a pioneering Scottish funk, soul, and R&B group formed in London in 1971 by musicians hailing mostly from Dundee and Glasgow. Despite their unconventional origins for an R&B outfit, they achieved massive international acclaim and crossed racial lines in the American music market during the 1970s. They are best known for their million-selling chart-topping 1974 instrumental track "Pick Up the Pieces" and hit albums like AWB and Cut the Cake.

The band was originally put together in London by Alan Gorrie and Malcolm "Molly" Duncan, soon joined by Owen "Onnie" McIntyre, Hamish Stuart, Roger Ball, and Robbie McIntosh. During an impromptu jam session witnessed by backing vocalist Bonnie Bramlett, she remarked that their authentic funk sound was "too much for the average white man," which the group shortened and adopted. They signed with Atlantic Records and released their self-titled sophomore album (AWB, or "The White Album") in 1974. It hit Number 1 on the Billboard charts, powered by "Pick Up the Pieces".

Shortly after their breakthrough, drummer Robbie McIntosh died of a heroin overdose in September 1974. He was replaced by English drummer Steve Ferrone, maintaining the group's tight groove through their late-70s peak. 

AWB disbanded initially in 1983, reunited in 1989, and continued touring globally until officially retiring following a farewell tour in 2024. Their crisp horn arrangements and rhythm section have left an immense legacy, ranking as the 15th most sampled act in history, referenced by artists like Nas, Public Enemy, Beastie Boys, and TLC!