3.31.2008

Link of The Day - Bernie Worrell - Living Legend

There is so much history to Bernie Worrell one wonders where to begin. Bernie has been involved with so many artists and groups it would blow your mind. His influence in music has shaped funk and rock music into what it is today. Something that only a true living legend could do.

A child prodigy he began studying and playing piano at the age of 3. His classical studies would continue throughout his adolescence, including private lessons at the Julliard School of Music, before he entered the New England Conservatory of Music.

Worrell served for several years as Musical Director for Maxine Brown before joining George Clinton's Parliament/Funkadelic crew.

The hits were many: "Flashlight," "Atomic Dog," "Aqua Boogie," "Cosmic Slop" and "Red Hot Mama" are only a few of the Parliament/Funkadelic classics which Worrell co-wrote, played and co-produced on literally dozens of albums -- not to mention his years of wild P-Funk performances, which quickly became the stuff of lore.

In 1997, Worrell was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with Parliament/Funkadelic (Talking Heads would follow five years later). That same year, he launched his own group, Bernie Worrell and the WOO Warriors, which has performed all over the US and abroad to rave reviews. The in-concert energy of this ensemble has twice been captured on live albums: Bernie Worrell and the WOO Warriors Live (1998) and True DAT (2002).

The "Wizard of WOO" continues to wear many hats as effortlessly as he mixes musical forms, performing with both Mos Def's Black Jack Johnson band and Colonel Claypool's Bucket of Bernie Brains -- while at the same time, continuing to perform from time-to-time as "Special Guest" with Clinton's P-Funk All-Stars.

Bernie is currently on tour. His concert dates are posted at The Rock House Method under The Tour/Clinic Dates. His discography is incredible, crediting him to over 150 appearances and albums.

It would take us days to write only a portion of the history about Bernie Worrell, so here's the links. You can spend the better part of a day or 2 reading about The "Wizard of WOO", "The Lining Legend", Mr. Bernie Worrell.

Bernies Rock House Artist Profile
Bernie Worrells Official Site
Bernie Worrells MySpace
Bernie Worrells Tour Dates

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