P-Funk

P-Funk is an abbreviated, compound name for two bands, Parliament and Funkadelic. It also is a fusion music genre and describes a great many offshoot groups and solo musicians.

Funksters of Special Importance on the Development of the P-Funk Sound

George Clinton

George Clinton has been, since its inception, the driving force behind the development of the P-Funk sound. Though he may be remembered today more for his rainbow hair and outlandish costumes than his music, his influence on generations of musicians has been remarkable. Clinton's artistry encompassed more than mere entertainment. In an era of growing black awareness, political ferment, social protest and societal upheaval, Clinton, like scores of his contemporaries (Curtis Mayfield and The Impressions; the Temptations; Donny Hathaway; Marvin Gaye; Edwin Starr; Oscar Brown, Jr.; TheStaples Singers/Swingers; The Voices of East Harlem; Nina Simone; etc.) took African-American popular music (long concerned with issues of social, political and economic justice) to new levels of political outspokenness, public visibility and artistic accomplishment, tackling such complex subjects as the Vietnam War and the War on Drugs with intelligence and awareness.

Related Topics:
Curtis Mayfield - The Impressions - Temptations - Donny Hathaway - Marvin Gaye - Edwin Starr - Oscar Brown, Jr. - Staples Singers - The Voices of East Harlem - Nina Simone - Vietnam War - War on Drugs

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Bootsy Collins

Bootsy is a versatile bassist, capable of playing many styles. He was adventurous and original in his playing, and has become known as a legendary virtuoso of the bass guitar. He also made a substantial impact as a songwriter and uncredited guitarist and drummer on several studio tracks. Like many of Clinton's bandmembers, he is also known for his outlandish stage wear, especially gaudy glasses. Bootsy also had a successful solo career, during which he often used the stage and production names "Bootzilla" and "Casper."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Catfish Collins

A strong rhythm guitarist, versatile like his brother, Catfish Collins' ability to lock onto a groove and keep it going through the epic live jamming the group is known for has made him one of the most influential rhythm guitarists in musical history. He was able to keep a stable rhythm, thereby allowing Worrell and others to go off on musical improvisatory excursions while keeping the music stable and grounded.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Eddie Hazel

Eddie Hazel is considered one of the most influential guitarists in musical history. Though he was never as flashy as many others, his playing was always intense and unconventional. "Maggot Brain," a twelve-minute solo, is widely cited as an emotional masterpiece of the guitar. He wrote many of the guitar riffs for the band, and did some singing as well. Along with childhood friend, Billy Bass Nelson, Hazel developed psychedelic funk rock, mixing blues, rock and roll, soul, Motown and pop music.

Related Topics:
Billy Bass Nelson - Blues - Soul - Motown - Pop music

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Garry Shider

Of all the Funksters, Shider is probably the greatest vocalist of the group. He performed leads on many of their most famous songs ("Cosmic Slop" being particularly notable).

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Bernie Worrell

Bernie Worrell, keyboardist, was added after the release of their first album. He deserves a special mention as an especially important influence in the early development of the P-Funk sound. Even before officially joining the group, he helped out on many of the recording sessions. Eventually, he became responsible for many of the musical arrangements, and produced most of the later albums.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

See also: List of P Funk Members

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~