Many artists that we listen to today inspire us, but we never really seem to think about or ask who inspired them. George Clinton, the founder of funk bands Funkadelic, Parliament and joint band Parliament-Funkadelic, helped to establish the basis of funk music and culture in the ’60s and ’70s. Other music has since been influenced by these funk bands, such as Childish Gambino’s latest album, “Awaken, My Love!”, which was inspired by his childhood listening to Funkadelic. Dr. Dre has also used Funkadelic’s music in his songs as samples. George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic’s music has not only inspired Gambino and Dre, but other artists as well, such as Snoop Dogg, Public Enemy and Grandmaster Flash.

Funk music is composed of jazz, R&B and soul elements that Funkadelic, Parliament and Parliament-Funkadelic definitely exude. Some of their popular songs include “Flashlight,” “P-Funk (Wants to Get Funked Up),” “Atomic Dog,” “Maggot Brain,” “Hit It and Quit It” and “Can You Get to That.” All these songs are rhythmic, lively and fun to listen to. Personally, while listening to nearly any of their songs, I can imagine myself in a disco on a Saturday night.

George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic still tour, despite how long they’ve been around. I actually attended a show they played in San Diego at the Observatory in North Park on Monday, October 23rd. The disco ball was shining high above us throughout the venue, everyone was extremely lively and I definitely enjoyed the show. All the musicians were talented, but the guitarists and wind instruments stood out to me the most. George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic are definitely people I would recommend seeing if you are interested in funk music, any modern hip hop, or in having a fun time in general.