feature: bootsy collins, the patron saint of funk

Cincinnati, Ohio’s own William “Bootsy” Collins is arguably one of music’s most identifiable voices and talents. With his gem encrusted Space Bass, star shaped frames, top hat and platforms Bootsy helped usher in a new wave in musical expression with his special blend of Funk. If his name still isn’t ringing any bells I’m sure his extensive catalogue will considering his career has spanned over four decades after his start at the tender age of 15. 

By Cakes Da Killa, AFROPUNK Contributor

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Bootsy formed the band the Pacemakers with his older brother Phelps “Catfish” Collins as teenagers in Cincinnati. After meeting James Brown the Collins brothers would join The J.B.’s, the band that backed the Godfather of Soul during his live shows. This was a huge break for Bootsy that would ignite his whirlwind journey in music.

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Next Bootsy would go on to meet and work with a kindred spirit known as George Clinton. He would soon join Clinton’s Parliament /Funkadelic band playing bass and even helping write lyrics. Bootsy and Clinton pulled funk out of the gutter and into the spotlight while selling out shows with little to no radio play.  In 1976 Bootsy would go on to front his own band after being urged by Clinton to go solo. With the help of his brother, and former James Brown bandmembers Fred Wesley, Maceo Parker, Joel Johnson, Gary Cooper, Rick Gardner, and Richard Griffiths Bootsy’s Rubber Band came to fruition. The group would go on to record four albums and tour the world.

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In 1988 Bootsy played in the recording for The Fabulous King All Stars project. King Records was the pioneering R&B label founded by Syd Nathan. The recordings included some of the biggest stars from their roster who came together to collaborate on a single record. The lineup included soul chanteuse Vicki Anderson, songwriter and rhythm and blues singer Hank Ballard, saxophonist Bubba Brooks, bandleader and R&B/soul singer Bobby Byrd, pianist Bill Doggett, saxophonist Alfred “Pee Wee” Ellis, guitarist Cal Green, guitarist Alphonso “Country” Kellum, saxophonist St. Clair Pinckney, drummer Clyde Stubblefield and trombonist Fred Wesley.   

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In 1990 Bootsy’s would still find himself in demand. He was enlisted by the house/dance group Deee-lite to add vocals on their massive hit “Groove is in the Heart.” Boosty’s Rubber Band would also tour globally with the group.

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Bootsy, a solar embodiment of funk, proves that he will forever stand the test of time with his immense talent. He continues to release new music and tour. In 2010 Bootsy Collins Funk University was founded. The university serves as an online-only bass guitar school in which he acts as lead professor to help keep the funk alive in its purest form through tutorials and forums. In 2011 a concept album called The Funk Capital was released and featured guests like Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg and Samuel L. Jackson.
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http://bootsycollins.com

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