Band

Parliament

Mapped through Soul music, Funk influences; 13 albums in the Staimusic archive.

Parliament
Biography

Parliament: history and sound

Parliament was a soul funk band most prominent during the 1970s. Both Parliament and its sister act, Funkadelic, were led by George Clinton.
Parliament: The Genius of Funk and Politics in Music
Music has a way of bringing people together, and that is evident with the rise of Parliament. This American funk band was born out of the turmoil of the ‘60s, and their music was a reflection of the political and social issues of the time. With its unique blend of funk and psychedelic rock, Parliament, fronted by George Clinton, has left an indelible mark on the music industry. In this article, we are going to take a deep dive into the life of Parliament, their best songs, their music genre, famous concerts, and a critic.
Parliament was formed in 1968 in Plainfield, New Jersey. The band leader, George Clinton, had previous success with The Parliaments, a doo-wop group that released songs like I Wanna Testify and All Your Goodies Are Gone. Parliament was born out of the breakup of The Parliaments and George Clinton’s desire to create a band that would be a melting pot of musical genres. He blended funk, rock, psychedelic, and soul into a sound that was unparalleled in music.
Parliament’s music has strong political and social messages, with songs like Chocolate City and P-Funk (Wants to Get Funked Up) speaking on the plight of black people in America. Their music was a celebration of black culture and a call for social change. The band even went so far as to create a universe called P-Funk Mythology, where they celebrated afrofuturism and created a utopian society where funk ruled. Powerful messages and catchy tunes are what make Parliament stand the test of time.
Parliament had an incredible impact on the funk genre, and their sound influenced many artists who came after them. One of the band’s best-known songs is Flashlight, released in 1977. The song was an instant hit, and it’s still a classic today. Another hit song was Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof off the Sucker), released in 1976, which was a party anthem that got people on the dance floor. These songs, among others, secured Parliament’s status as one of the greatest funk bands of all time.
One of Parliament’s most famous concerts was in 1976 at the Houston Summit. The band performed in front of a crowd of 42,000 people, and it was broadcast live on television. The concert featured a spaceship and many theatrics that aligned with the band’s cosmic funk style. The band inspired awe and excitement in the crowd, and it solidified their status as one of the greatest live acts of the ‘70s.
In a critic's point of view, Parliament's music has stood the test of time because of its unique blend of genres, its celebration of black culture, and its political and social messages. George Clinton’s vision of a melting pot of musical styles has left an indelible mark on music, and bands like Parliament paved the way for future musicians to explore new genres. Most importantly, Parliament’s music has a message, and it's a message of hope, change, and unity. Their music still resonates today, and it continues to inspire people to fight for a better tomorrow.
Parliament is undeniably one of the greatest funk bands of all time, and their music has left an indelible mark on the music industry. Their fusion of musical genres, their celebration of black culture, and their political and social messages make them a unique and influential force. As we listen to Parliament, we are reminded of the power of music to unite people in times of turmoil. So let's put on some Parliament, tear the roof off the sucker, and dance our way to a better tomorrow.
Parliament is undeniably one of the greatest funk bands of all time, and their music has left an indelible mark on the music industry. Their fusion of musical genres, their celebration of black culture, and their political and social messages make them a unique and influential force. As we listen to Parliament, we are reminded of the power of music to unite people in times of turmoil. So let's put on some Parliament, tear the roof off the sucker, and dance our way to a better tomorrow.
Songs

Selected YouTube songs from our archive

Do That Stuff
Parliament Do That Stuff
P. Funk (wants To Get Funked Up)
Parliament P. Funk (wants To Get Funked Up)
I've Been Watching You (move Your Sexy Body)
Parliament I've Been Watching You (move Your Sexy Body)
Sir Nose D Voidoffunk
Parliament Sir Nose D Voidoffunk
The Goose
Parliament The Goose
Let's Play House
Parliament Let's Play House
Articles and news

Stories, updates and listening guides