Black Psychedelic Rock Artists You Need to Know
Contents
In this blog post, we’ll be discussing some of the best black psychedelic rock artists that you need to know. From classic rock icons to modern day virtuosos, these musicians have all made a significant impact on the genre.
Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix is often cited as the greatest guitarist of all time. His unique style of playing combined elements of blues and rock with psychedelic sounds. Hendrix was also one of the first popular black rock artists. His music often explored social and political issues.
His Sound
No one could mistake the sound of Jimi Hendrix’s playing. From his use of feedback and distortion to his innovative techniques like playing with his teeth and behind his back, Hendrix pushed the boundaries of what was possible on the electric guitar. His style was a major influence on subsequent generations of rock guitarists, and his sound remains instantly recognizable to this day.
His Influence
As one of the most influential guitarists of all time, Jimi Hendrix changed the sound of rock music forever. His unique style combined elements of blues, jazz, and R&B to create a new form of psychedelic rock that was unlike anything anyone had ever heard before. His mastery of the guitar and his innovative approach to songwriting influenced a generation of musicians and helped to redefine popular music in the late 1960s. Though he only released three studio albums during his lifetime, Hendrix left behind a legacy that has inspired generations of guitarists and continues to influence popular music today.
George Clinton
George Clinton revolutionized R&B during the ’70s with his band Parliament-Funkadelic, a collective of over 50 musicians who created an expansive blend of soul, funk, and rock. Clinton’s music was informed by his upbringing in a family of evangelical preachers, as well as his work with doo-wop and R&B groups during the ’50s and ’60s. Clinton’s work with Parliament-Funkadelic was trailblazing, not just for its inventive sound, but also for its unapologetic embrace of Blackness.
His Sound
George Clinton’sDoo-Wop and R&B style blended with Funkadelic’s Psychedelic Rock sound creates what is known as P-Funk. This style of music is a */sister genre/* to Hip Hop and is characterized by its */repetitive hooks/*, */call and response vocals/*, */danceable beats/*, and /*prominent basslines*/. P-Funk bands often use a variety of instruments such as electric guitars, synthesizers, and horns to create their sound.
His Influence
George Clinton is an American singer, songwriter, bandleader, and record producer. His Parliament-Funkadelic collective (which primarily recorded under the names Parliament and Funkadelic) developed an influential and eclectic form of African-American music that drew on science fiction, outlandish fashion, psychedelia, and surreal humor. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 with fifteen other members of Parliament-Funkadelic.
Bootsy Collins
Bootsy Collins is an American musician and singer-songwriter who was a member of Parliament-Funkadelic and Bootsy’s New Rubber Band. He is considered one of the greatest bass guitarists of all time. He has been nominated for seven Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.
His Sound
Bootsy Collins is an undisputed legend of funk who rose to prominence as a member of James Brown’s backing band in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He has since collaborated with a who’s who of musical greats, including George Clinton, Parliament-Funkadelic, Deee-Lite, and Prince. His instantly recognizable bass playing style and larger-than-life personality have made him one of the most influential and iconic bassists in history.
Collins’ playing is defined by his use of the wah-wah pedal, which he employs to create visceral, soulful grooves that have helped define the sound of funk music. He is also known for his use of “slapping” techniques, in which he uses the outer edges of his picking hand to percussively strike the strings. This unique approach to bass playing gives Collins’ groove a signature sound that is instantly recognizable.
In addition to his mastery of funk bass grooves, Collins is also an accomplished vocalist and songwriter. He has released a number of solo albums throughout his career, most notably 1978’s Players Bass Pack and 2002’s The One Drop Of Fear. His songwriting credits include hits like Parliament’s “Flash Light” and Bootsy’s own “I’d Rather Be With You.”
As a member of James Brown’s band, Collins toured the world and appeared on some of the Godfather of Soul’s most iconic recordings, including 1968’s Live at the Apollo and 1974’s
Hell. His work with Brown helped lay the foundation for what would become funk music, and his influence can still be heard in today’s biggest hitmakers.
His Influence
Bootsy Collins is an influential musician in the black psychedelic rock genre. His work with Parliament-Funkadelic in the 1970s helped to shape the sound of the genre, and his solo work has continued to push boundaries. His unique approach to songwriting, performance, and production has inspired generations of musicians.
Living Colour
Best known for their 1988 hit “Cult of Personality,” Living Colour is a black psychedelic rock band from New York City. The group’s sound is a mix of hard rock, funk, and heavy metal with elements of hip hop, punk, and blues. Living Colour was one of the firstAfrican American bands to achieve mainstream success in the American music industry.
Their Sound
Living Colour’s sound has often been described as a cross between Jimi Hendrix and George Clinton, with the band’s music blending elements of hard rock, heavy metal, funk and hip hop. The band’s debut album, *Vivid*, was released in 1988 and reached No. 6 on the Billboard 200 chart, driven by the success of the single “Cult of Personality”. The album was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and is widely considered to be one of the greatest debuts in rock history. continue to tour and release new music, with their most recent album, *Shade*, being released in 2017.
Their Influence
Living Colour’s influence can be heard in the work of many modern-day artists. Their unique blend of rock, metal, funk, and hip-hop has inspired a new generation of musicians. The band’s success has also paved the way for other black artists in the rock and metal genres. Living Colour is truly a pioneer in music and their impact is still being felt today.
