Parliament-Funkadelic

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  • Year:
    1997
  • Inducted by:
    Prince
  • Category:
    Performers

Introduction

Vivid. Surreal. Psychedelic. Unpredictable.

Parliament and Funkadelic were the mind-blowing, soul-expanding musical equivalent of an acid trip. They grabbed the funk movement from James Brown and took off running.

Hall of Fame Essay

1997

Tom Vickers

“Hey mister, guess what?” I feel a small hand pulling my coat sleeve and look down to see a young black kid about seven staring up at me. It’s October 28, 1976, and I’m in the New Orleans Civic Auditorium, a hall packed with riggers, gaffers, soundmen and musicians. An incredible event Is about to unfold.

“Mister, you know what’s going to happen here tomorrow night? The Mothership is going to land right on that stage, and Dr. Funkenstein himself is going to be here,” he continues, unaware that Dr. Funkenstein himself, George Clinton, is standing less than six feet away. The kid continues rapping to me as the silver Mothership is hoisted to a perch above the stage. George walks by, looking very incognito.

“Hey, I want you to meet somebody, this is Dr. Funkenstein.” “Yeah, right,” the kid says in a voice fall of doubt. “That ain’t no Dr. Funkenstein. Where's his white coat and wig?” 

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Program Cover 1997
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Funk is the force that tore the roof off the sucker
Prince

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Gallery

Photography: Kevin Mazur, WireImage