Over an illustrious that spans decades and includes collaborations with the likes of James Brown, George Clinton, Fatboy Slim, Snoop Dog, and Tyler the Creator, Bootsy Collins has without question earned his spot as one of the greatest funk and R&B bassists of all time. Beyond the music, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee is notorious for his signature styles and bodacious personality. Collins is a key member of several bands, including funk icon James Brown’s backing-band, The JB’s, and the Parliament-Funkadelic collective, recipient of the 2019 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Awards.
At 17 years old, the Cincinnati-born William Earl Collins formed The Pacemakers with Will Jackson, Frankie Waddy, his older brother Phelps “Catfish” Collins, and eventual lead singer of the Spinners, Philippé Wynne. The group received their big break when a dispute with the previous members of James Brown’s band allowed them to fill the spot, and the rest, as they say, was history. Playing as a member of the JB’s, Bootsy can be heard on some of James Brown’s finest material, including the 1970 classics ‘Super Bad’ and ‘Get Up (I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine’. After joining George Clinton as part of Parliament-Funkadelic, the bassist progressed to launch a solo career with Bootsy’s Rubber Band, reaching No 1 on Billboard’s R&B chart with the 1978 album Bootsy? Player of the Year.
Bootsy’s success as both a solo artist and band member has led to an impressive discography. Despite being his 15th album, his recent release 2017, World Wide Funk, was warmly received by delighted fans who continue to respond to his flamboyant style and exceptional talent.
