Bootsy Collins
Bootsy Collins: The Godfather of Funk
Full Name and Common Aliases
William "Bootsy" Collins is the full name of this legendary American musician.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on October 26, 1951, Bootsy Collins is still active in music today.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Collins is an American bassist, singer, songwriter, and record producer. His work spans multiple genres, including funk, rock, jazz, and R&B.
Early Life and Background
Bootsy Collins grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he developed a passion for music at a young age. He began playing the guitar as a child but eventually switched to bass after seeing James Jamerson play with The Funk Brothers. Collins' early musical influences included Parliament-Funkadelic's George Clinton and Sly & the Family Stone.
Collins' professional career took off in the late 1960s, when he joined Jimmy Castor's show band, The Soul Train Gang. However, it was his time with James Brown that truly catapulted him to fame. As a member of Brown's backing band, Collins played on some of the legendary singer's most iconic hits.
Major Accomplishments
As one half of the duo Bootsy and Gary, Collins achieved significant commercial success in the 1970s with the hit single "Bootzilla." He has also worked extensively as a session musician for artists like Rick James and Parliament-Funkadelic. In addition to his work behind the scenes, Collins has released several solo albums, including Stretchin' Out in Bootsy's Rubber Band and Ultra Wave.
Notable Works or Actions
Some of Collins' most notable contributions include:
Collaborating with George Clinton on Parliament-Funkadelic's groundbreaking album Mothership Connection
Producing and playing bass on Rick James' massive hit "Super Freak"
Recording the seminal song "I'd Rather Be with You" for his 1978 album Stretchin' Out in Bootsy's Rubber BandImpact and Legacy
Bootsy Collins has left an indelible mark on music. His innovative approach to bass playing paved the way for future funk, rock, and R&B artists. As a musician and producer, Collins has mentored countless talent and inspired generations of musicians.
Collins' influence extends beyond his own performances as well. He played a key role in shaping the sound of the 1970s music scene. His groundbreaking bass lines continue to inspire new generations of musicians.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Bootsy Collins is widely quoted and remembered for several reasons:
Pioneering funk and rock bass playing: Collins' innovative approach to the electric bass has influenced countless musicians, including Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Les Claypool (Primus), and Geddy Lee (Rush).
Influence on popular culture: Collins' music has been featured in numerous films and television shows, cementing his status as a household name.
Enduring legacy: As both a musician and producer, Collins continues to create new music while mentoring up-and-coming talent.
With his unique sound, captivating stage presence, and enduring influence on popular culture, Bootsy Collins has solidified his place in music history.
Quotes by Bootsy Collins
We learn a lot, but the actions we don’t put behind those things that we learn and we continue to make the same mistakes.
Well actually, we are working on the live album from the shows in Japan. I’m trying to get that finished.
When you’re used to playing with people, when you’re in a band, then you’re used to playing with each other. People nowadays aren’t used to playing with each other because they don’t have to.
Once you lose that musician part -not just the playing, I’m talking about musician attitude- then you’re lost, man. Especially if you started out that way. It feels so good to be back, starting from the ground up.
I try to bring it across on my record, in my dress, in what I do and what I say because to me humor is important. You should have a dose of that and I guess giving it is what I’m here for.
I guess some of today’s programming has rubbed off on me because I find myself having to set time around for touring, putting that together and then setting time around for recording.
Recording wasn’t as important to me as actually being to get on stage and act the fool.
I wanna keep creating those situations for myself so I don’t have to be out front all the time. Then when I do have to be out front, I can do it to the max.
I’d like to have younger people around me and that I’ll be involved with them a lot more now, as opposed to me being the main focal point.
When I was coming up, we weren’t trying to get a hit or get paid, we were just trying to do our thing. The only thing we were really trying to do was to be recognized for our originality.