Bootsy Collins
William "Bootsy" Collins, born on October 26, 1951, in Cincinnati, Ohio, is a renowned funk bassist, singer, and songwriter. He rose to prominence in the late 1960s as a member of James Brown's band, The J.B.'s, where he played on iconic tracks such as "Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine" and "Super Bad." After leaving James Brown, Collins joined George Clinton's Parliament-Funkadelic in 1972, contributing to their distinctive sound and earning several songwriting credits.
In 1976, Bootsy formed Bootsy's Rubber Band, a key part of Clinton's P-Funk collective, and released several influential albums, including the 1978 hit "Bootsy? Player of the Year," which topped the R&B charts. Known for his playful alter egos like "Bootzilla" and his trademark space bass, Collins became a central figure in the funk genre.
Throughout his career, Bootsy Collins collaborated with various artists, including Deee-Lite on their hit "Groove Is In The Heart," and ventured into different musical styles, such as his work with the GrooveGrass Boyz, blending bluegrass and funk. In recognition of his contributions, Collins was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 as a member of Parliament-Funkadelic. His legacy as a funk pioneer continues to influence modern music.