Members
Select a The Parliaments band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
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Funkadelic Parliament Artists United Against Apartheid The Put Yo' Body Where Yo' Mouf Iz Choir George Clinton and the P-Funk All Stars George Clinton’s Funkestra 420 Funk Mob The Fellows The P-Funk Mob George Clinton and Family Flo Geo-Si-Mik Dolby's Cube George Clinton, Diane Brooks & Funkadelic Parliament-Funkadelic George Clinton & Bootsy Collins -
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About
The Parliaments is a pioneering American vocal group that emerged from the doo-wop tradition in the mid-1950s, evolving into a significant influence in the Northern soul genre. Formed in Plainfield, New Jersey, the group was spearheaded by George Clinton (vocals), alongside members Raymond Davis (vocals), Clarence "Fuzzy" Haskins (vocals), Calvin Simon (vocals), and Grady Thomas (vocals). Initially inspired by the vocal stylings of Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers, The Parliaments began their journey in the back room of a barbershop where Clinton worked. Their music marked a transition from classic doo-wop to the more rhythmically complex and soulful sounds that eventually laid the groundwork for the funk explosion of the 1970s, leading to the formation of Funkadelic and later Parliament.
How to Sound Like The Parliaments
The Parliaments' sound is characterized by its rich vocal harmonies and rhythmic complexity, an evolution from the clean, melodious doo-wop to a more groove-oriented Northern soul. While their early work was vocal-centric, the underlying instrumental arrangements hinted at the funk-driven future that George Clinton would famously pioneer. To emulate the group's vibe, one could layer smooth and soulful vocal harmonies over a tight, rhythmically engaging foundation. While specific gear wasn't central to their vocal harmony-driven sound, the influence of later Funkadelic members like Eddie Hazel suggests that a Gibson Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar and the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi fuzz pedal, known for creating rich, overdriven textures, were instrumental in shaping the transition towards the funk sound. Incorporating such elements can help capture the essence of their transformational musical journey.
Get the The Parliaments Sound
Want to sound like The Parliaments? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.
