The master of funk, GEORGE CLINTON. He began his musical career as a teenager when he formed The Parliaments. But in the early 70s, Clinton put together a second group, "Funkadelic," that became enormously influential on the pop music scene. Their 1970 album, "Osmium," set the tone for Clinton's wickedly ecclectic style; songs ranged from metaphysical gospel to country and acid rock. But their big hit came with the album "Mothership Connection." In songs like "Tear the Roof Off the Sucker," "Get Up on the Downstroke" and "Think! It ain't illegal yet," Clinton blended rap with a heavy rhythm line that defined the funk sound and culture. (REBROADCAST from August 8, 1989.
Copyright 1993 Fresh Air