Music icon Funkmaster George Clinton discusses his inspirations behind his unique musical creations
George Clinton, the trailblazing musician and producer, revolutionized funk music in the 1970s and '80s by fusing soul and R&B with psychedelic rock, elaborate concept albums, and a theatrical performance style. This unique blend, known as "P-Funk," marked a significant departure from traditional funk, incorporating influences from artists like Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa, and Sly Stone.
At the heart of Clinton's funk empire were his bands Parliament and Funkadelic, collectively known as P-Funk. Parliament, with its horn-driven, polished, danceable grooves and elaborate concepts, produced the landmark 1975 album "Mothership Connection." Funkadelic, on the other hand, emphasized guitar-heavy, psychedelic, funk-rock fusion, allowing Clinton to explore different musical textures and attract diverse audiences.
The Brides of Funkenstein, an offshoot female group within the P-Funk collective, added vocal power and thematic depth, broadening the funk universe Clinton created. They reinforced the collective’s group identity and helped popularize the funk genre beyond traditional bands.
Together, these groups formed the sprawling musical collective known as Parliament-Funkadelic (P-Funk), which defined the sound and aesthetic of late 20th-century funk, influenced subsequent genres like hip-hop and funk rock, and introduced theatrical live shows featuring costumes, spaceship motifs, and characters. P-Funk delivered numerous R&B hits and platinum albums, inspiring generations of artists across multiple genres.
Clinton's alter ego, Dr. Funkenstein, was a central figure in the P-Funk universe, and many rappers have since cited "Mothership Connection" as an influence. Clinton also created multiple alter egos for his performances, including Dr. Funkenstein, Mr. Wiggles, and Sir Nose.
Clinton's height and the height criteria at Motown made it difficult for him and his group to compete with other artists, leading them to embrace the hippies, rock and roll, and blues scene, where they could have fun and wear more casual clothing.
George Clinton continues to perform at the age of 84, having released more than 30 albums since his 1989 interview. He is also a Professor of Television Studies at Rowan University. Clinton's innovative contributions to funk music have left an indelible mark on the music industry, shaping the sound and style of funk for generations to come.
Science and music intertwined in George Clinton's creative process, as he drew inspiration from diverse fields, such as psychedelic rock and Jimi Hendrix, to revolutionize the funk genre. Entertainment, meanwhile, was a crucial aspect of his work, with elaborate concepts, theatrical performance styles, and costumes becoming signature elements of his shows, attracting diverse audiences and influencing subsequent genres like hip-hop and funk rock.
