George Clinton on His Legacy, Discovering Bootsy Collins, and More | The Rolling Stone Interview

[@entheo302]

Had the chance to meet him in 98. I was a runaway and he let me devour all the food in the greenroom and dance on stage with the band. Will never forget the kindness he showed me.

[@AndreaElizabeth100]

Wonderful you got to meet him. George Clinton is one of the good guys in the music industry. I would say Michael Jackson was the same totally professional and looked out for people looked after people. Genius people and good people.

[@STYLEE-T]

Dope memory and experience.

[@terrymiller111]

Did that experience get you back on track? It was exhilarating, no doubt.

[@FredTorrence-zj9ri]

​@@AndreaElizabeth1009:29

[@tommyboyce]

That's so cool. He comes across as genuinely kind and non-egotistical.

[@dudeseriously57]

I am a Parliament-Funkadelic4-Life. The music helped shape my life. George Clinton will always be my favorite artist of all time!!!!! Living Legend

[@breakingglass27]

He's incredible. The amount of material he masterminded in the 70s is almost beyond belief. And it's so, so fucking good

[@somethingdifferent4u247]

And I approve this message.

[@danfield6030]

Mos def !!

[@porkhill6665]

LSD tested by universities professors. He expanded black creativity with his intent on funk and funk related material

[@ustheserfs]

he got a lot of help from some sharp musical minds, much of it he slept on

[@robjones2408]

George should be filed next to Miles, Sun Ra, and Hendrix. I saw Funkadelic and Bootsy in the 1970s, and they were fantastic. A true one-off. The Starchild is still shining bright.

[@DjIceCnS]

I think George has super Genes or something. He did coke, crack, lsd, weed and every other imaginable drug, he had a "rock star" lifestyle, he survived Prince, Michael Jackson, James Brown, Bernie, Eddie and many other legends of his genre, he just turned 80 and looks 60 and is still performing like hes 50. What a fucking Legend. I wish this Legend (not only in Funk but music overall) all the best and many many years to come. I love you George!!!

[@miskittt]

And led a bunch of beautiful people to hell.

[@4theluvofyou]

How profound 🖤🖤🖤

[@datruestory968]

@@miskittt oh stop the chastise. They were “beautiful” followers and drug users. You are probably the same person that would say “be accountable for your own actions”

[@magicbeam6821]

@@miskittt led people to a mythological place?

[@dman221]

He didn’t lead people nowhere and since the late 60’s drugs was part of the culture at those times. People was actually searching for a deeper meaning.

[@Goatchild90]

Quite possibly the most important person in American popular music

[@livmarcim4518]

Absolutely !

[@isaacdebolt3637]

i tried to think of anyone else and i cant ur right

[@thephysixxs]

That’s quite a statement. Very much arguable if one were take such a position and do a bit of homework 👌🏽🎼🌎💯🤓

[@RootsRecords]

It’s true ❤

[@CarlSeeger]

The pandemic shutdown forcing him to take a rest has served him well. He’s as sharp as a tack and as keenly focused as I’ve seen him for many years! He’s a global treasure, and I’ve no doubt has for many years been channelling his ideas from much higher realms!

[@inbutnotoftheworld2237]

Well said...

[@TheSoulstar7]

The one musician I’d want to sit and talk to about all of his and the bands creations. He’s such an important figure in music history. Blessing and health to him!!

[@natbfunky]

Keep the Funk Alive --- Rodbfunky looks familiar humm !

[@LeahTVdotcom]

Not just him, but the ‘whole crew ‘ that created this music , art , comedy., black culture. it really was a musical cosmic revolution ! Leah Tunkara

[@zroy9263]

My all-time top five musical favorites and influences: 1. PRINCE 2. JIMI HENDRIX 3. JAMES BROWN 4. GEORGE CLINTON 5. JOHN LEE HOOKER These cats are amongst the most brilliant entertainers to ever walk on the planet period! These cats were musicians, songwriters, visionaries, entertainers, composers, bandleaders, vocalists, arrangers, stylists, performers, geniuses, and creators. These are irreplaceable individuals. They give me great joy and a reason to keep living.

[@waynefoote3781]

Bootsy must replace JLH and don't forget MJ!!!!!!!

[@kacemkafi1455]

he did not discover Bootsy, the kid was playing already with James Brown, He brought the Funk, he brought the ONE

[@darkerbrother1]

Actually George wrote most of Bootsy first album. Back in the day albums came with liner notes 📝 with all that information . Bootsy really copied James Jamison’s style. Who is the greatest Bass player ever

[@1939lb]

@@darkerbrother1 he wrote lyrics..not the music..On the album My mind set me free a lot of those grooves ended up on the Stretchin Out album..As far as the horns that was Wesley and Worrell..

[@1939lb]

@@darkerbrother1 as far as copying Jamerson..they played 2 entirely different styles..

[@YakThaWiseman72]

George never claimed to discover him though, and he did write most of Bootsy first LP

[@1939lb]

how does a guy who plays no instruments write music..lol..he writes lyrics and concepts..

[@swisherdreamz-trapanova5137]

George Clinton has birthed a whole damn Textbook and Definition Of Funk

[@somethingdifferent4u247]

Truest words ever spoken.

[@MultiPetercool]

I’m not so sure. I think Funk began in New Orleans. George gives engaging and interesting interviews, but I consider Art “Poppa Funk” Neville to be the true originator. He had a much more reserved personality. George was an extrovert so his presentation was flashy. The “Mothership” was unworldly. Art and the Meters were more “Earthy”. Strictly speaking I think Professor Longhair was even more seminal. He and Poppa Funk were close.

[@williamhall1659]

I could listen to George talk about music for hours, the influences that he reveals are captivating, who every would have linked the 4 Tops to Dylan but its so obvious when he explains it. I have been fortunate to see Parliament Funkadelic live 4 or 5 times and I look forward to seeing them again.

[@iam607]

That was a good ass interview. Interviewer did his homework!!!

[@frosty-lw3tx]

This is The Godfather of funk! Not only will he be forever relevant but sexy and looks good doin it. Never had a 80 year old man make me feel this way. Take notes young bloods 😜

[@reedykat30]

See ...I'm a certified 'Funkateer' Back in our day, we were unable to hear interviews by our Kings and Queens of the culture. This was a gift. Thanks Verzuz for understanding that funk is it's own reward. Give him his gardens.

[@peacefulpoate5613]

🎉❤ COLORBLIND ARTIST !! GO ON OUR MAN !!

[@Lorghitube]

Just got into funk as music genre a few months ago and still searching and learning. But i already sense what a great artist this man is! And a funny and calm person, too. Loveable! Thank you GC for sharing your art with us!

[@SkatingErinsMom]

I just listened again to this very interesting interview. When I run errands this afternoon, I'll be listening to my cassette tape that I bought in 1976 at Tower Records, "The Clones of Dr. Funkenstein." I relied on that tape for many years to get my butt out of the house and off to work...

[@sushavanmitra8845]

Thank u so much @rollingstone . He is one of My Idols of Music. On his 80th Birthday you did a great job. This Interview contains a lot of Legendary Infos about the Legend & his Legacy. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🎶🎶🎶🎼🎼🎼🖤🖤🖤✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾

[@timmy841212]

Still funkin' at 80. 😎

[@jeffjacobs6980]

The Westbound years with them were the best.

[@KC______]

"I'll Bet You" (just) "Free Your Mind and Your Ass Will Follow" On the Strength 💪🗽✊🇺🇸

[@johnhenningfield4360]

Mommy, What's a Funkadelic??, Good Old Music, Funky Dollar Bill, Friday Night August the 14th, Cosmic Slop, America Eats It's Young, Let's Take It To The Stage, Tales Of Kidd Funkadelic....timeless music from the Funk Mob known as Funkadelic. George Clinton Rules ✌

[@hustleman85]

@@johnhenningfield4360 Last year(2020), August 14th actually fell on a Friday. My Facebook friends weren't as geeked about that as I was.

[@johnhenningfield4360]

@@hustleman85 "LOL, but what a great blues/funk track that one. It's allegedly rumored to be about the Watts Riot which happened Friday Night August the 14th, I could be wrong but give that one a listen you would love it ✌"

[@Realigndadjmusic]

🔥

[@TC-xh5wp]

Head explodes on the Bob Dylan part. GC never ceases to amaze me really.

[@dexxtur]

Funk just never gets old…I’ve been funkin’ since the 70’s and continuing to funk!! We love you Dr. Funkenstein! Your funk is the best…!!! Great interview!

[@SssJB2008]

Brilliant interview, I enjoyed that

[@clarkramos8147]

A real example of true music legacy at almost 80 years of he's still feel good to keep jamming it's the spirit that matters not the age it's never too late to show what you got as long as your healthy and ready!!!

[@MrFat.]

One of the dopest and informative interview with GC I've seen. Been following him since the mid-'70s. P-Funk Forever! 🤘

[@Nantosuelta]

"If I go out on stage, cool, he went out funkin" What a legend

[@SamanthaPrincelover]

Happy Birthday To the Master of funk! My first concert was the Morthership tour! That was the most amazing show! I was hooked on the funk! Prince said George was from another planet! One of kind! Maggot Brain is a masterpiece! Cosmic Slop was one of the funkiest song ever! The Collaboration with Prince was priceless! 1-800 We Can Funk! One nation under A George Clinton groove! Getting down just for the funk of it! Thanks for all the Music! Looking good for an 80 year old! Chocolate city forever!

[@TonerLow]

This man must be preserved at all costs

[@the0nlytrueprophet942]

Starchild is a fucking legend

[@corncobjohnsonreal]

I don't really know what he's saying most of the time, but I've never been more captivated by a human

[@carolynland1950]

He is so full of musical history knowledge!!! Love it ❤

[@MrMdonaghy7]

What an amazing interview and career that George Clinton has had, funnily enough it was because of the Chilli Peppers that I first found about George Clinton. Over 35 years later the Freaky Styley album is still absolutely amazing that I still play regularly, would love to hear more about that period I remember reading Anthony Kiedis Scar Tissue book the bands time with George was wild beyond belief!

[@namelast8840]

my heart, a master mind who was and still is being them selves living free

[@callumrowe6642]

Another great example of this is the set/interview that George Benson did with Marcus Miller! Check it out if you haven’t already!

[@barroningram7286]

I was introduced to funkadelic in 1970 I was 17 in november i'll be 70 and I still get out my little bose speaker and a little loud go out on the deck and get my groove on with that age old funk , retirement is ok with me 🙂

[@KyleBeatz]

Been playing all Parliament Funkadelic records on the train and people still love P-Funk. Salute and Respect George You Looking Good too brotha!!!!

[@damonedwards6724]

Just stumbled upon this video of the Funk Masters interview with Rolling Stone Magazine... thx for sharing 🤩🎉🎼🎸💯 One Damn Great Interview of GC and his awesomeness history.... I learn something in all his interviews and this one is one of the best .... at 80 years young he is The Best and We Love You Funkenstein!!!😎🤘🏾🤩

[@celestinehil6551]

Much respect to a living legend? Anyone out there remember Electrifying Mojo's "Midnight Funk Association " on 107.5 WGPR in Detroit? Parliament Funkadelic was in heavy rotation. If you were smoking it was extra funky..It was music that lifted up humanity.

[@jeromethomas5433]

Yes

[@keithbell9348]

Uncle George is the living archive from the early stages of doo wop, Motown, rock & roll, all the way to this new generation of rap. Uncle George you need to enjoy your retirement whenever you decide to plunge into it- you EARNED it. Happy you got your shots. But please keep that mask at your side. This pandemic ain't over. None of us are ready to losing you to that stuff. His shared wisdom is invaluable. Liked his advice to Bootsy- it's ok to make yourself larger than life, ( that's just marketing your brand), but the moment you start believing that stuff, so your downfall begins. David Bowie even confessed that "anyone who gets into this business strictly to become famous is insane".

[@markryan2109]

cool words

[@scottierobinson7280]

My top ten Funkadelic albums 10. Electric Spanking Of War Babies 9. Free Your Mind... 8. One Nation Under A Groove 7. America Eats It's Young 6. Funkadelic 5. Standing On The Verge Of Getting It On 4. Cosmic Slop 3. Maggot Brian 2. Let's Take It To The Stage 1. Hardcore Jollies Bonus: Tales Of Kidd Funkadelic.

[@RobertHarperBass]

A creative musical genius!

[@KyleBeatz]

Yes

[@txpete296]

I’m surprised he didn’t talk about Prince, he mentioned his name but didn’t get into their relationship or the work they did together.

[@antonioriversrivers7925]

He didn't talk about Prince because the interviewer didn't ask the question about Prince an the interview wasn't long enough he didn't talk about Shock G who just passed away. You expected to much and George certainly didn't attentionally leave Prince name out of the conversation at all of all the names he didn't mention. Gary Shider and other members of PARLIAMENT FUNKADELIC ! Please

[@DharmaWilson]

Soooo looking forward to Eddie Murphy biopic on Mr. George Clinton....so much knowledge and music to share thank you for dropping the Mother Ship on Us!

[@markofisaiah1449]

80 years young and still funkin ❤️

[@BarbaraMcGregor-ew1ev]

So wonderful to see & hear George Clinton all these years later. All is in place & happy. It's still about the music x family. GREAT INTERVIEW....George hasn't aged at all . ✌ 💖 & 🎶 George 👏

[@derrickdouglass]

This is the best he's looked in years!!!!!

[@charlesreed5506]

Great interview! Love hearing him speak about his career, his memory is impeccable

[@gregrambo606]

I wish he would have asked George to tell the story of "Get off your ass and jam" It's an amazing story.

[@1939lb]

If its from that book its not true.. a stranger didn't play that solo..Paul Warren did..Look on Warrens site

[@gregrambo606]

@@1939lb Warren confirmed Clinton's version in his book: 1)Yes he did walk in off the street like Clinton said, 2) Clinton did NOT know his name and didn't know until Warren came forward many years later and identified himself, 3) Clinton said, "he looked to be about 20 years old, and right away, I could tell he was a smack [heroin] addict." Warren confirmed this. 4) Clinton said he asked for $25 (probably to get some dope) to play guitar but was so great, Clinton gave him $50.

[@YakThaWiseman72]

@Greg Rambo Yeah I heard the story on Questove Supreme

[@jonbrown2402]

Absolute legend! Should be knighted, Sir George!

[@SpintoSopranoSexyYea]

YES

[@Erimar74]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GEORGE and thank you for your music.. you make life more beautiful with your music

[@mikemorrison270]

I LEARNED stuff listening to this interview.

[@detroitrising4459]

luv this whole interview,,, very inspirational and really interesting how George has been influenced over his years

[@natbfunky]

Happy Birthday George Clinton The “Prime Minister of Funk” Parliament - Funkadelic Today is another day under The Stars - The Moon - The Bright Lights and The Flashlight You taken us The Funkateers all around The World and The Ocean and inside The Toilet With nothing but some good old Pure un-cut Funky Music and Dozens of Classic Tracks So here's a little something just for you Whatever U did for 80 years , man it was Brilliant

[@TheeDuhscientist]

🤘🏾

[@natbfunky]

P is for pfunk that's good enough for me "om nom nom nom"

[@natbfunky]

@@TheeDuhscientist P is for pfunk that's good enough for me ( om nom nom nom )

[@barryfitzhugh8739]

Happy Birthday, (Dr.) George Clinton! You have carved out your niche' in the 🎵 industry by following your own vision. From humble beginnings in a 💈 shop, you stepped out on faith and have circumnavigated the 🌎 many times selling out soccer stadiums while hiring hundreds of people over the decades. Bravo, sir, your PFunk legacy will live on forever due to the massive volumes of industry-changing 🎶 you have created to entertain generations of loyal fans over the last 5+ decades!

[@LeahTVdotcom]

Aloha from Maui , it’s Flash da light, true meaning of Flashlight ❤😂. Leah Tunkara

[@7deepbreaths.sounds]

Can't wait to hear that REACHING FOR LITNESS!!! George is the most open and honest musical presence I have ever heard!!....just went back and listened to Wesley Theory from To Pimp A Butterfly 🦋 by K. Lamar... 👁️ KNOW that REACHIN' 4 LITNESS Gon b dat BIDNESS!!! 🔥

[@infiniteuniverse9528]

Dr. Funkenstein is on the Mt. Rushmore of Black band leaders. Thanks so much George for cleaning and polishing up "The Funk" for planet Earth to enjoy and sweat to.

[@gregoryelliott8521]

Great Interview! George and the Funk Mob has always been one of my favorite bands!!! Gotta have that FUNK! I have seen them in person so many times, even the Mother Ship Tour..

[@louisianaredd731]

I really hope one day he gets his rights to his music in totality cause he deserves it!!

[@zapploc]

Thank you GC... For your inspiration throughout all the years... Funk is fresher just as it was in the 70's🤘

[@aisback1990]

Happy Birthday To The Atomic Dog

[@charlesbarboza8591]

Excellent interview. George Clinton is my favorite artist ever and “Cosmic Sloop” is my favorite song. Wow, 80 years old and still making music, especially after all of those drugs he used. Thanks for sharing. Be well.

[@peternagy-im4be]

Drugs? Surely not sir.

[@ladiiblue2u634]

Almost 81 years old and he looks great.

[@marcr-m1941]

That is a damn good interview! Best I've seen with Sir George... and I've obsessively trawled through many.

[@gnop3737]

We never gonna have a KING of FUNK like this Legend again, GOD Bless You George

[@warrenwoodley6229]

Truly a visionary and ahead of his time, Mr GC recorded mastermind pieces of music which will endure time! Thanks for your wisdom Mr GC!

[@janetmanderson5359]

Funk is it's own reward. Remember to mask up George, looking good. Followed George since the 50's. Made of steel.

[@torpedoboy4]

I’m honored that he actually played one of those 2019 shows at my art opening in North Adams, Mass!

[@michaeltango116]

one of the greats..period

[@DrJayCarterMusic]

This should have like 2.4 million views already, like a lil baby upload. This man is a legend! Forever live the funk

[@rickmoreno548]

George is a genius! He took the idea of The One from James Brown and blew the roof of that mother. He gave all these great artist a platform to truly express themselves and along the way influenced generations of music. I am forever a funkateer. 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@queensaints679]

God has truly blessed this man despite all he has done he still has roll in God's plan.

[@0oidiedinatimemachineo024]

Awesome. I got really into Parliament Funkadelic in the past few years so much great stuff in the 70s and then Georges 80s solo stuff is classic imo too especially the first three solo albums not the mention all the other artists he also produced for. Dude produced so much great stuff. Fucking legend.

[@HughJorgan09]

George, I am SO glad to hear you talk about weed's role in helping replace some other bad shyt that you were doing at the time. On EVERYTHING, I promise you, I found that out back in the 80's, after having gotten side-tracked on that same B.S., and, experiencing the difficulties of knowing that I was chasing a high that I couldn't physiologically achieve. I pondered back on how satisfying & enjoyable "getting high" had been, back when it was just marijuana, and wished that it could be that simple, innocent, ever again. And, how $50 weed would get me there a couple of times, whereas, this other stuff, $50 wasn't even a good night. It took a minute to re-acquire the taste for some good herbs, but, glory to God, it got the job done, and, like you were talking about, I can get a 10X more enjoyable high now. But, what I REALLY wanted to relate is how I believe that weed is actually the way to helping folks get off of a lot of these opioids & crap that they're increasingly being hooked on these days. I say that, because, I actually had employed that technique to help two friends, at different times, back in the 90's, to wean themselves off of crack. It wasn't planned, but, they were staying at my place, for a couple of weeks, trying to stay away from a certain environment. They also knew that I "used to" mess with it, so, I'm sure, they thought that I was secretly still doing it, on the low. But, staying with me, they saw how I was able to smoke, and, not be fiending for something else, and, by the time I would, eventually, have to put them out, they was smoking all my weed up, while I'd be gone to work. Although, once they returned to the bad influence, they also succumbed to chasing that high again, too, the impression I received, through having seen them weaned from being crack-heads back into something more resembling who I knew them to be, and, who they were happier being, is that God put this NATURAL "cure", for a lot of whatever may ail you, right here, grows wild, grows freely, but, misguided & malignant Government regulations are what's keeping a lot of folks addicted to life-destroying chemicals, when the possibility of returning to a more-productive, happier person is readily available.

[@starmon9895]

Still enjoy some LSD and mothership connection

[@ag6424]

I went to a small festival in 1971. A two day event that cost $5 per day! On the bill was George Clinton and the Parliament-Funkadelic, MC5 and the newly formed Faces among others. Quite an experience.

[@KC______]

At the time I had heard that was supposed to happen but I didn't go because festivals were becoming an iffy proposition: no-show acts, false advertising, etc. I also have heard that it was worth the effort...good for you🤛

[@ag6424]

@@KC______ There was some of that going on at this show as well. The biggest name advertised for me was the Zombies but they turned out to be imposters!

[@KC______]

@@ag6424 Sign of the times: Zombie imposters! Thanks for the laugh 👏

[@ag6424]

@@KC______ 😂

[@alvintorrance7133]

George Clinton. Enough said. Great, excellent, legend, hero, funk at it's Peak. Parliament, Funkadelics, Dr. Funkenstein, Brides of Funkenstein, Sir Nose, and so much more.

[@geoffdillon4637]

I’ve had my tickets to see George in London since 2019. I was concerned it might never happen, but I needn’t have worried. Looking forward to seeing you in 2022!!!

[@medusajonez3907]

He’s the grandpa I wish I had!!! Omg he is beyond cool.

[@javi__...]

Everyone always says James brown or Ohio made funk but the whole thing musically came from New Orleans

[@emayhand]

George is dropping all kinds of music bombs.

[@jeffjacobs6980]

Mixing Motown with rock and it created Funkadelic & it changed music forever.

[@4theluvofyou]

4:53 He just announced a Verzuz!!!! OMG I'm so excited!

[@lake3857]

I have to meet George at some point. HUGE inspiration!

[@laticiaward8365]

I love the funkadelic sound dance and all of there music I was taking to there concert at a very early age my mom took me too James Brown concert at too years old I never miss not too many concert I was a concert freak

[@Solodolo84]

The biopic wouldnt even do his story justice, although I would live to see that. Might need a series. So many eras. So much to tell. Legendary 🍻

[@surr3al1s]

At least an 8 episode limited series for sure!

[@jamielamie2229]

happy birthday to the king of funk 🤘

[@hafeesa]

Spiritual indeed I am grateful for George Clinton ... my ancestors use to say .’’ You understand it better by and by ..... thank you 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽✈️✈️✈️✈️💜♥️💕☮️🎤🎼

[@Olubumni]

Let’s give it up for George Clinton🙌🏽

[@LeahTVdotcom]

This is a excellent interview here, George Clinton is not only a ‘music historian’ , he was a marketing wizard. Talking about shipping gold ! But they failed to get all the money that was due them. When I was a teenager we use to dance to this” Funk Cosmic Revaluation! ❤“ Leah Tunkara

[@gnop3737]

The KING of FUNK the great George Clinton LOVE this man🤘🏾

[@tylerhackner9731]

Love George

[@TheSchuyler75]

a new album in August 🙏🦋🌈🌞🌻🦋

[@felixd.4150]

Once George brought a fan on stage to dance with them and she kept trying to take a hit from the pipe they were passing around but the band members refused to share. After she wouldn't stop asking, George snapped and said the following (which was picked up by the mic): "Bitch, this is crack!"

[@markryan2109]

I don't believe THAT AT ALL

[@felixd.4150]

@@markryan2109 Yeah you do

[@markryan2109]

NO I DO NOT

[@felixd.4150]

@markryan2109 My brother, yes you do. You've accepted it in your heart.

[@Billkwando]

I love how nothing is a secret with him. He knows where every single building block of Funk is, where it came from, and he'll tell you which building's cornerstone to look at, in order to find them.

[@TheSchuyler75]

80 ain’t nuthin’ for Star Child!! Not even on any meds! 🙏🤩

[@HighVibeCat]

Real deal. Man, George, we are so grateful there’s you. Eternally glad

[@tr377723]

LIVING LEGEND. HAPPY B DAY 2 MR CLINTON. FUNK4LIFE!!!

[@pamalabotts7162]

A living, breathing, talking fossil a true miracle telling the truth about the evolution of music worldwide! Amazing!

[@auntiefan4202]

I can't wait to see y'all again.

[@michaelt.wardlespider2496]

When I was a kid Doctor Funkenstein was like a super hero. So great that he is still here.

[@waynefoote3781]

george clintons name is on almost every single pfunk affiliated song/ album ever created...a PURE GENIUS and an excellent songwriter!!!!!!

[@Stoney1281]

Great just speechless about what to say. Love it.