Bootsy Collins

Bootsy Collins (born October 26, 1951) is an American musician and singer-songwriter. He is best known as the bassist and occasional lead singer of the funk band Parliament-Funkadelic.

Bootsy was born William Earl Collins in Cincinnati, Ohio. He began playing the bass guitar at the age of 15, and soon joined a local funk band called The Pacemakers. Bootsy's unique style and flamboyant showmanship quickly earned him a place as the band's lead bassist.

In 1972, Bootsy joined George Clinton's Parliament-Funkadelic. It was here that Bootsy's bass playing and singing talents flourished, and he quickly made a name for himself as one of the most influential bassists of the 1970s. He was also responsible for creating the "P-Funk" sound, a mix of funk, rock, and soul that would become the signature sound of Parliament-Funkadelic.

In 1978, Bootsy released his first solo album, "Stretchin' Out in Bootsy's Rubber Band". The album featured his own compositions, as well as covers of classic funk songs. It was a critical and commercial success, and spawned the hit single "I'd Rather Be With You".

In the 1980s, Bootsy continued to work with Parliament-Funkadelic, and released two more solo albums. He also collaborated with numerous artists, including Prince, Bootsy's Rubber Band, Afrika Bambaataa, and more.

In the 1990s, Bootsy began to focus on his own solo career, releasing several solo albums and collaborating with a variety of artists. He also started his own record label, Bootzilla Records, and launched the Bootsy Collins Foundation, which provides music education programs to inner-city youth.

Bootsy's career has spanned over four decades, and he continues to be a major influence on the funk and hip-hop genres. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Bootsy's unique style and flamboyant showmanship have made him an icon of the funk music scene.