Bernie Worrell was a musical trailblazer whose innovative keyboard playing and composing helped define the sound of funk in the latter part of the 20th century. Born George Bernard Worrell, Jr. on April 19, 1944, in Long Branch, New Jersey, he was a classically trained pianist from a young age. His prodigious talent was evident as he wrote his first concerto at the age of eight and went on to study at the Juilliard School. But it was his synthesis of classical training with soul, funk, and rock elements that would define his career.

Worrell gained fame as a founding member and musical director of Parliament-Funkadelic, led by the iconic George Clinton. His work with the collective from the early 1970s, through the peak of their success, showcased his mastery of the Moog synthesizer, bringing it to the forefront of popular music. His signature sounds can be heard on classics like "Flash Light" and "Mothership Connection." Beyond P-Funk, Bernie's influence extended through the music world, from talking heads where he was a key collaborator on albums and tours, to his solo career that produced adventurous and genre-blending works like "Blacktronic Science" and "Improvisczario". Bernie's creativity continued throughout his career with releases such as "Elevation (The Upper Air)" showcasing his adeptness at transcending boundaries within his expansive explorations of sound. Worrell’s artistry earned him the respect of his peers and the adoration of fans until his passing on June 24, 2016. Bernie Worrell's legacy as a titan of funk and an innovator of electronic music continues to resonate and inspire.

Genres

P Funk

Latest Release

Wave From The WOOniverse

Bernie Worrell

Album - 13 Tracks - Released June 28, 2024