The legendary Bootsy Collins celebrates his 73rd birthday today. The bassist behind James Brown, Parliament-Funkadelic, and countless others is known for his driving bass grooves, humorous vocals, and larger-than-life personality that have made him a household name in the world of funk. To celebrate the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, we’re taking a look back at some of our favorite Bootzilla videos.
Related: Funk Legend Bootsy Collins Releases Star-Studded New Album, ‘The Power Of The One” [Listen]
James Brown found Bootsy and The Pacemakers in 1968 when Bootsy was 17 years old. They eventually became known as the J.B.’s. and played on some of Brown’s most influential funk recordings, like “Get Up (I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine”, “Bewildered”, “Super Bad”, and several others during their 11 months together. Watch this 15-minute episode from an Italian television show filmed in 1971:
James Brown and the Original JB’s (with Bootsy Collins) Italian TV show 1971
[Video: Black Soul Group]
In the early 1970s, Bootsy met George Clinton and played bass on most of Funkadelic and all of Parliament’s albums through the early 1980s. Enjoy this full-show video from George Clinton and the Parliament-Funkadelic performing the music of The Mothership Connection live in concert in 1976:
Parliament-Funkadelic – The Mothership Connection (Live in Houston, TX, 1976)
[Video: AM FUNK]
Fans of Bootsy Collins are hip to his Rubber Band, whose single “I’d Rather Be With You” from Stretchin’ Out in Bootsy’s Rubber Band will always come to mind. Enjoy this particularly funky version from a live concert in Houston, Texas in 1976.
Bootsy Collins – “I’d Rather Be With You” – Houston, TX –1976
[Video: FUNKERRIFIC]
More recently, Bootsy collaborated with modern funk torchbearers Lettuce on the appropriately titled track “Keep That Funk Alive”.
Lettuce – “Keep That Funk Alive” (ft. Bootsy Collins) (Official Video)
Enjoy some more of Bootsy’s greatest moments in the videos below:
Bootsy Collins – Bass Solo
[Video: PimpSugarWater]
Bootsy Collins – Bass Solo – Japan – 1993
[Video: Moody Hyadd]
[Originally published 10/26/17]
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