All about the band Funkadelic: from the early years to success and splits

"Funkadelic." - American funk bandformed in New Jersey in the '60s. The band existed until 1982, and during the years of its creative activity more than 10 studio albums were released. Some of them, like "Maggot Brain" 1971 yearsare still popular among the band's listeners and followers today. As well as "Parliament."and the group was led George Clinton - is a well-known African-American composer and vocalist today. Along with James Brown and Sly Stone, this man is considered one of the founders of funk. It was his bands that started this musical direction, and today we will recall the story of one of them.

The beginning of the journey

The group was formed in 1964 Funkadelic was initially considered by Clinton as additional touring support for his main project at the time, Parliament. But as time went on, it became apparent that Funkadelic were focused on a more psychedelic rock sound. So, when Langston Boothas well as Frankie and Richard Boyce went into the service in 1966, Clinton hired new musicians: bassist Billy Nelson, guitarists. Eddie Hazell и Tawla Rossaas well as the drummer Fulwood's Tiki. An early line-up was formed "Funkadelic."which has undergone many changes in the future.

The contract and the first records

The first contract was signed in 1968 year. At the same time, Funkadelic's sound was brimming with psychedelic rock, soul and funk. The band was influenced by popular musical artists, in particular Jimi Hendrix. Later style "Funkadelic." took on a denser funk outline, and at the height of his fame would also include R&B and electronic tones! But more about those times a little later.

The band's first television appearance came in the autumn of 1969, when they performed the "Into My Own Thing," "What Is Soul?" and a few other songs, including a cover of Stevie Wonder. A year later, the eponymous debut album was released, featuring members of Parliament, session musicians, as well as Bernie Worrell. It would later become a stronghold "P-Funk." and will be recognised after the release of the record "Free Your Mind... and Your Ass Will Follow"which marked the beginning of his collaboration with Clinton. However, one of his most successful early recordings - the album "Maggot Brain." - saw the light of day in 1971.

Despite the fact that all three records influenced followers, they demonstrated the weak commercial potential of the band. Soon the line-up began to change actively.

Line-up changes and new attempts to break into the charts

After graduation. "Maggot Brain." the group has been abandoned Ross, Nelson и Hazel. And while the former left because of serious addiction problems, the latter two were unhappy with the financial difficulties that accompanied "Funkadelic" for a long time. Many new musicians joined the line-up, in particular Bootsy Collinswho had a great influence on "P-Funk". In 1972, the revitalised line-up released a double album. "America Eats Its Young.".

A year later, the world saw the light of day "Cosmic Slop."demonstrating his mastery Harry Scheider. As for the old members, Eddie Hazel, who served a year in prison, returned to contribute to . "Standing on the Verge of Getting It On.". Nevertheless, his return was partial: he subsequently recorded occasionally with the "P-Funk."but no more.

The creation of "P-Funk."

In essence, "Parliament." и "Funkadelic." had a set of identical musicians who recorded and released records under two different names. Clinton initially saw Parliament as a more promising funk project with soulful vocals and a French horn sound. "Funkadelic, on the other hand, was something of an experimental band with a distinctly psychedelic sound. Nevertheless, in 1974. Clinton revitalised Parliament by signing to Casablanca Records. And that led to the established wording. "P-Funk."because the bands toured under the name "Parliament-Funkadelic.".

The mid-'70s brought "Funkadelic." their first successful album - "Let's Take It to the Stage."who fell just short of making it into the coveted top 10. Billboard 100. At the same time, the line-up is joined by guitarist Michael Hampton: its influence would be reflected on several of the band's subsequent records.

Big breakthrough

Funkadelic released their most influential and breakthrough album in 1978: it's about "One Nation Under a Groove". The title track remained at the top of the R&B charts for six weeks. At the same time, things started to pick up at the "Parliament.": a couple of their songs, including "Flash Light."were a number one hit!

https://youtu.be/sgrvOR77T2o

The last album was released in 1981 and was titled "The Electric Spanking of War Babies.". It was originally a double release, but the label insisted on shortening the set list. Nevertheless, the cut tracks would later see the light of day on the "P-Funk" release.

Schism and legacy

The projects were soon dissolved Clinton due to legal difficulties. George continued to work with some of the musicians with whom he recorded new material. The project was called "George Clinton & the P-Funk All-Stars.". He also made attempts to revive his brainchild in the 1990s and 2000s.

"Funkadelic." have had a huge influence on many musicians, particularly hip-hop artists. Dr. Dre has repeatedly admitted that his sound is inspired by an '80s funk band. Yvonne Smith even dedicated an entire documentary film to the Clinton project, called "Parliament-Funkadelic: One Nation Under a Groove" (2005)..