Fuzzy Haskins
Clarence Eugene “Fuzzy” Haskins (June 8, 1941 – March 16, 2023) was a trailblazing singer, songwriter, and performer best known as one of the original architects of the Parliament-Funkadelic sound. Born in Elkhorn, West Virginia, Haskins grew up immersed in gospel and doo-wop traditions before relocating to New Jersey, where he helped form The Parliaments—a doo-wop vocal group that would eventually evolve into the genre-defying powerhouse known as P-Funk. With his powerful vocals, dynamic stage presence, and unshakable sense of rhythm, Haskins became a crucial figure in the birth and evolution of funk music. The Parliaments achieved their first taste of success with the 1967 hit “(I Wanna) Testify,” but when contractual issues disrupted the group’s progress, Haskins and the other members shifted their energy into a new, more experimental musical direction. Under George Clinton’s leadership, the band splintered into two parallel acts: Parliament and Funkadelic. Together, they crafted the wild, sprawling, and psychedelic world of P-Funk. Haskins contributed to early Funkadelic albums not only as a vocalist, but also as a drummer and co-writer, helping define the band's hard-edged, guitar-driven funk sound. On stage, Haskins was known for his fiery performances—often dancing in skin-tight outfits and commanding the crowd with raw charisma. He brought theatrical flair and intensity to the P-Funk live experience, which became as much a cultural phenomenon as a musical one. His energy and vocal grit were essential ingredients in Funkadelic’s early records, including standout tracks like “I Got a Thing” and “Can You Get to That.” In the mid-1970s, Haskins stepped away from Parliament-Funkadelic to pursue a solo career. His debut album, *A Whole Nother Thang* (1976), showcased his versatility as a songwriter and bandleader, blending deep funk with elements of soul and gospel. Two years later, he released *Radio Active* (1978), further expanding on his raw, groove-oriented sound. Both records featured collaborations with other P-Funk alumni and have since been rediscovered as cult classics of the era. Despite leaving the core of the P-Funk operation, Haskins remained connected to its legacy. In 1981, he joined fellow former members Grady Thomas and Calvin Simon to record *Connections & Disconnections* under the Funkadelic name, attempting to carry on the spirit of their earlier work. Though it marked one of his final recorded appearances, Haskins' influence remained foundational to the broader P-Funk family. Clarence "Fuzzy" Haskins was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 alongside his fellow Parliament-Funkadelic members, and in 2019 he received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. He passed away in 2023 at the age of 81, leaving behind a vibrant legacy of innovation, performance, and funk that helped shape the sound of modern music. <details> <summary><strong>Sources:</strong></summary> <p> - "Fuzzy Haskins." <em>Wikipedia</em>. Accessed April 2, 2025. <br> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuzzy_Haskins" target="_blank"> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuzzy_Haskins </a> </p> <p> - "Parliament-Funkadelic Singer Clarence 'Fuzzy' Haskins Dies at 81." <em>NPR</em>, March 18, 2023. <br> <a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/03/18/1164572532/parliament-funkadelic-singer-clarence-fuzzy-haskins-obituary-dead" target="_blank"> https://www.npr.org/2023/03/18/1164572532/parliament-funkadelic-singer-clarence-fuzzy-haskins-obituary-dead </a> </p> <p> - "Clarence 'Fuzzy' Haskins." <em>George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic</em>. Accessed April 2, 2025. <br> <a href="https://georgeclinton.com/family/clarence-fuzzy-haskins/" target="_blank"> https://georgeclinton.com/family/clarence-fuzzy-haskins/ </a> </p> <p> - "Fuzzy Haskins." <em>Discogs</em>. Accessed April 2, 2025. <br> <a href="https://www.discogs.com/artist/143516-Fuzzy-Haskins" target="_blank"> https://www.discogs.com/artist/143516-Fuzzy-Haskins </a> </p> </details>