One of the architects of funk, musician/singer (bassist) Bootsy Collins. A legendary bass player, who is responsible for the most of the classic songs you hear in 1970’s funk. William Collins was born on October 26, 1951, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Collins’ first group was formed in 1968 called the Pacesetters, with his brother (guitarist) Phelps “Catfish” Collins, (drummer) Frankie “Kash” Waddy, and the late singer Philippe Wynne. Two years later, the group was the back-up band for the Godfather of Soul, the late James Brown and were named the JB’s. In 1972, he joined the iconic group Parliament/Funkadelic. Four years later, he launched his own group called the infamous Bootsy’s Rubber Band.
Bootsy Collins’ Musicality
Bootsy Collins made playing the bass guitar stylish to be the lead on a record. His style is enriched with so much funk/soul, his pocket is majority groove. His style is very easy going; his creative patterns and progressions he does with the bass puts you in the mind of what Jimi Hendrix does with the guitar. The theatrics of his attire matches his style-play of his space bass. It’s amazing how he’s mastered the bass guitar as the center-piece to his songs. James Brown taught him discipline, and with that and his natural energy of a free spirit on stage he was able to create hit songs and albums that evoke a groove at all times. Soul Savviness shows appreciation to the legend Bootsy Collins.