

George Clinton 'Plays It Forward': A Musical Gratitude Project
Nov 25, 2021
In this enlightening conversation, funk legend George Clinton shares his musical journey with NPR's Ari Shapiro. The architect of Parliament-Funkadelic reflects on his profound influence in the music industry and expresses gratitude for artists like opera singer and funk keyboardist Constance Hauman. He explores the evolving spirit of funk, emphasizing the importance of artistic collaboration and inspiration across generations. Clinton also highlights the unique bond between musicians, revealing how gratitude fuels creativity and connection.
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Angel Bat Dawid's P-Funk Upbringing
- Angel Bat Dawid grew up in a "Funkadelic Parliament household."
- Her father, a huge George Clinton fan, played their music daily, influencing her own musical journey.
Longevity over Top 40
- George Clinton aimed for Parliament-Funkadelic's music to have longevity, not just fleeting chart success.
- This allowed them creative freedom, diverging from Top 40 trends while still engaging with them if desired.
Funkadelic's Radical Shift
- In the early 60s, George Clinton shifted Funkadelic's sound radically as rock and roll's prominence grew.
- Inspired by music reminiscent of his mother's, he leaned into a more freeform, psychedelic style, branding it "Funkadelic."