Whether performing or recording under Parliament, Funkadelic, the celebrated hybrid, or the P-Funk All-Stars, this massive musical ensemble has made an indelible mark on the world of not just funk but music as a whole, inspiring countless other artists in their wake. Influenced by the strong stage presence of musicians from James Brown to Jimi Hendrix to Sly and the Family Stone, the collective fueled their own passion by addressing both serious political and social concerns and the ever more serious universal desire to plunge into a purely hedonistic groove. Notable members include keyboardist Bernie Worrell, bassist William “Bootsy” Collins, saxophonist Maceo Parker, guitarist Eddie Hazel, vocalist Garry “Starchild” Shider, and guitarist Michael “Kidd Funkadelic” Hampton (that’s still not mentioning the other 50-odd members that have contributed their time to the P-Funk).

Assembled and headed by George Clinton (band leader, producer, songwriter and occasional vocalist), the troupe got their start in 1956 in Plainfield, NJ as a doo-wop group known as The Parliaments. They later moved to Detroit, signing with Revilot Records. When the label went under in the late 60s, the band internalized the transition in the form of a name change, and Funkadelic was born. With a new moniker came a new sound, fleshing out the standard R&B funk with additions of psychedelic soul and hard rock.

Their bizarre concept albums steeped in “P-Funk mythology” coupled with outrageously ambitious live performances have given the band a devoted cult following. They’ve released no less than thirteen Top Ten hits on the U.S. R&B charts, including six which peaked at Number One. In 1997, they were officially inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and were ranked among both Spin and Rolling Stone’s lists of the Greatest Bands of All Time, #6 of 50 and #56 of 100 respectively.