In March 1970, after most of the members of James Brown's band quit over a pay dispute, The Pacesetters were hired as Brown's backing band and they became known as The J.B.'s. (They are often referred to as the "original" J.B.'s to distinguish them from later line-ups that went by the same name.) Although they worked for Brown for only 11 months, the original J.B.'s played on some of Brown's most intense funk recordings, including "Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine", "Super Bad", "Soul Power", and "Talkin' Loud and Sayin' Nothing".
It is known that the young Bootsy clashed several times with the rigid system Brown used to discipline the young band whenever he felt they stepped out of line. After leaving the band Collins then moved to Detroit, following the advice of singer and future Parliament member Mallia Franklin
After parting ways with James Brown, Bootsy returned to Cincinnati and formed House Guests with his brother Phelps Collins, Rufus Allen, Clayton "Chicken" Gunnels, Frank Waddy, Ronnie Greenaway and Robert McCullough. The House Guests released two singles on the House Guests label as well as a third as The Sound of Vision on the House Guess label.
Franklin introduced both Collins brothers to George Clinton, and 1972 saw both of the Collins brothers, along with Waddy, join Funkadelic. Bootsy played on the subsequent Funkadelic album 'America Eats Its Young', but it would be a another couple of years before he really began to make his mark on the P-Funk mob. Appearing on Funkadelic's 'Let's Take It To The Stage' and Parliament's 'Up For The Down Stroke' Bootsy soon became a defining member, both in sound and song-writing and is credited on all of the late 70s classics.
In 1976 Bootsy, Catfish, Waddy, Joel Johnson, Gary "Mudbone" Cooper, Robert Johnson and The Horny Horns formed Bootsy's Rubber Band, a separate touring unit of Clinton's P-Funk collective. The group recorded four albums together, the first three of which are often considered to be among the quintessential P-Funk recordings. The group's 1978 album "Bootsy? Player of the Year" reached the top of the R&B album chart and spawned the #1 R&B single "Bootzilla".
Like Clinton, Bootsy took on several alter egos, from "Casper the Funky Ghost" to Bootzilla, "the world's only rhinestone rockstar monster of a doll", as part of an evolving character, an alien rock star who grew gradually more bizarre as time went on (see P-Funk mythology). He also adopted his trademark space bass around this time.
Bootsy also released a 1980 album, Sweat Band, on George Clinton's Uncle Jam label with a group billed as Bootsy's Sweat Band.
[edit] 1980s and later
In 1984, Bootsy collaborated with Jerry Harrison of Talking Heads to produce "Five Minutes", a dance record sampled and edited from Ronald Reagan's infamous "Five Minutes" speech. The record was credited to "Bonzo goes to Washington" (also referenced in the 1985 Ramones song "Bonzo goes to Bitburg", derived from Reagan's starring role as Professor Peter Boyd in the 1951 comedy film Bedtime for Bonzo).
In 1990 Bootsy collaborated with Deee-Lite on their massive hit "Groove Is In The Heart" where he contributed additional vocals. Although he also appeared in the music video playing the bass, the bassline in the song is actually a sample of a Herbie Hancock song called "Bring Down the Birds". Bootsy's Rubber Band became the defacto backing musicians for Deee-Lite during a world tour.
Bootsy collaborated with bluegrass legends Del McCoury, Doc Watson and Mac Wiseman to form the GrooveGrass Boyz. They produced a fusion of bluegrass and funk that listeners either loved as a fresh take on tradition or hated as defiling that same tradition.
In 1995, Bootsy played in the remake of Jimi Hendrix's "If 6 was 9" for Axiom Funk, a funkadelic like one off super group produced by Bill Laswell and featuring the (funkadelic members) George Clinton, Bernie Worrell, Bootsy Collins, (the guitar of the late) Eddie Hazel, Gary Shider and Bill Laswell . The group released only one album and the song also appeared in the soundtrack of the movie Stealing Beauty.
Bootsy has collaborated extensively with Bill Laswell and made appearances on two Fatboy Slim records, as well as reading a poem at the end of FatBoy Slims's release in the LateNightTales dj mix series. Bootsy provided "vocal spice" on the TobyMac album Welcome to Diverse City. He also appears on Nicole C. Mullens' latest album, "Everyday People". He has also worked with the Lo-Fidelity Allstars on the album 'Don't be Afraid of Love', with Praxis, and with Buckethead on several occasions, for example on Buckethead's first album, "Bucketheadland". Bootsy was featured in the 2002 film Standing in the Shadows of Motown. In 2004 he appeared on Snoop Dogg's Rhythm & Gangsta album and on the cover of "The Joker" on the Fatboy Slim album Palookaville.[2]
In 2005, Bootsy Collins added vocals to fellow bassist Victor Wooten's album Soul Circus. He also served as "Heineken's Amsterjam 2005" curator and master of ceremonies on Randall's Island, New York and appeared with Madonna, Iggy Pop, Little Richard, and The Roots' Questlove, in an American TV commercial for the Motorola ROKR phone.
Collins' signature instrument is a custom-built star-shaped bass guitar he calls the "Space Bass". Currently built for him by Manuel "Manny" Salvador of GuitarCraft in 1998. More recently, Collins has made an agreement with Traben to make a signature Bootsy Collins model bass called the "Bootzilla".
In October, 2005, Collins co-wrote a song celebrating the resurgence of his hometown team, the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League called "Fear Da Tiger" which features "raps" written and performed by several Bengals players, including defensive end Duane Clemons, offensive tackle Stacy Andrews, and center Ben Wilkerson. An edited version of the song was made into a music video which features cameos by many other Bengals players. It has garnered tremendous local airplay and is viewable on Bengals.com Additionally, Cincinnati Bell is offering "Fear Da Tiger" as a free ringtone for its wireless customers in both polyphonic and MP3 formats. Collins appeared with Little Richard, Bernie Worrell, and other notable musicians as the band playing with Hank Williams, Jr. for the Monday Night Football opening during for the 2006 season. Collins was the only all star to return with Williams for the 2007 season.
He also sings "Marshal Law", the theme song of the Cincinnati Marshals indoor football team. He debuted the song on April 29, at halftime of a Marshals home game against the West Palm Beach Phantoms.
In 2006, ABC Entertainment / A Charly Films Release released a DVD/CD from Bootsy Collins and the New Rubber Band's concert at the 1998 North Sea Jazz Festival. In the same year, Collins split from long-time friend and guitarist Odhran "The Bodhran" Rameriz, citing creative differences as the reason.
Also in 2006, Collins recorded music for the animated television series Loonatics Unleashed. Collins also voiced the character Bootes Belinda in the episode The Music Villain. [3]
In April, 2007, Bootsy announced plans to begin a restaurant/club with Cincinnati area restaurateur Jeff Ruby. The restaurant is to be called "Bootsy's." It will feature live musical acts, a museum dedicated to Bootsy's musical career and Spanish, Central and South American cuisine. It is to open in December 2008.
In June 2007, Bootsy Collins, along with Phelps Collins, Clyde Stubblefield, John "Jabo" Starks, and Bernie Worrell, participated in the recording of the soundtrack for the movie Superbad.
In July 2007, Bootsy also told Billboard magazine that he's working on a project by the name of Science Faxtion and an album called Living On Another Frequency in which he serves as bassist and co-producer along with his lead vocalist Greg Hampton. The band also features guitarist Buckethead and drummer Brain.[4] The album was released in November 2008.[5]
Collins promoted Rock the Vote for its 2008 compaign together with Buckethead.[6]
Bootsy produced Junkyard Waltz by funk band Freekbass from Ohio came out October 27.
Bootsy has been mentioned in the song "Genius of Love" by Tom Tom Club in the line "Clinton's musicians such as Bootsy Collins raise expectation to a new intention", while "Got more bass than Bootsy Collins" is a line in the song "Rumble in the Jungle" by the Fugees. His influence in popular culture is seen in that he has been referenced by a number of television series. In The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air episode "Sooooooul Train", Geoffrey sneaks into the Soul Train tapings posing as Bootsy Collins, while in the The Mighty Boosh episode "The Legend of Old Gregg" an alien creature named 'The Funk' lands on Bootsy's house, giving him his ability to play the bass guitar "like some kinda delirious funky priest", as well as the ability to see around corners. His song I'd Rather Be With You was featured in the movie Baby Boy and on January 26, 2007, Bootsy, a native of Cincinnati, gave the commencement address at the graduation ceremony at The Art Institute of Ohio - Cincinnati.. Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea, who has cited Collins as one of his primary influences, appeared in unmistakably Bootsy-esque clothing in the video for RHCP's "Dani California", and Bootsy's "What's a Telephone Bill?" was sampled for 2Pac's "Str8 Ballin'" track off the THUG LIFE album..
In 2009 Collins collaborated with Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek on the track "Internet Connection".[7]
[edit] Bass technique
Collins' bass playing is driving, rhythmic and groovy, and has been very influential in the development of funk. His characteristic juicy sound, produced by envelope filters (for example the Mutron), is one of his distinguishing traits as a bass player. He also uses highly syncopated 16th note patterns combined with a very strong slap technique, highly influenced by Larry Graham.
Bootsy's bass patterns are often up-front in the mix and more often than not, drive the song (rather than the guitars or horns)
Munchies For Your Love
Bootsy Collins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's good and then it's kind of fun
It's like staying up after bedtime when you're still just a kid
Your love is two for one
It's sweet and then it's kind of fun
It's like a whole lot of good things
Rolled up into one candy, like love
A personal stash
And I'm selfish with your love, you see
Your love is kind of sweet, sweet enough to eat
I'm hooked on you chocolate star
I got the munchies for your love
Your love is kind of sweet, sweet enough to eat
I'm hooked on you chocolate star
I got the munchies for your candy-like love
Your love is more than good
It's like so good and then it's kind of fun
It's like staying up after bedtime when you're still just a kid
Your love is two for one (you're double pleasure)
It's sweet and then it's kind of fun
It's a whole lot of good things
Rolled up into one candy-like love
Oh your love is a kinda special treat
Oh yeah, you're my personal stash
And I'm so selfish with your love, you see
Your love is kind of sweet, sweet enough to eat
I'm hooked on you chocolate star
I got the munchies for your love
Your love is kind of sweet, sweet enough to eat
I'm hooked on you chocolate star
I got the munchies for your love
Your love is kind of sweet, sweet enough to eat
I'm hooked on you chocolate star
I got the munchies for your love
Your love is kind of sweet, sweet enough to eat
I'm hooked on you chocolate star
I got the munchies for your love
Your love is kind of sweet, sweet enough to eat
I'm hooked on you chocolate star
I got the munchies for your love
Oh chocolate star, are ya there?
You're just like a candy bar baby, sweet!
Watch out!
Chocolate star!
I relate you to a candy bar
But even though you are my bass guitar
Watch out!
Ah ah ah ah
Ah ah ah ah
Sweet thing
Your love is kind of sweet
I got the munchies for your love
Ah ah ah ah (chocolate star!)
Ah ah ah ah (I relate you to a candy bar)
Your love is kind of sweet
I got the munchies for your love
Oh you make me feel so good I wanna play
Ah ah ah ah
Ah ah ah ah
Your love is kind of sweet
I got the munchies for your love
Ah ah ah ah
Ah ah ah ah
Your love is kind of sweet
I got the munchies for your love
Ah ah ah ah (oh you're just like a candy bar)
Ah ah ah ah
Your love is kind of sweet
I got the munchies for your love
Ah ah ah ah
Ah ah ah ah
Your love is kind of sweet
I got the munchies for your love
Ah ah ah ah
Ah ah ah ah
Your love is kind of sweet
I got the munchies for your love
Ah ah ah ah
Ah ah ah ah
Your love is kind of sweet
I got the munchies for your love
The lyrics of Bootsy Collins's song "Munchies For Your Love" are an ode to the sweet and addictive nature of love, comparing it to candy and chocolate. The song starts by saying that the love he has is not just good but also fun, like staying up late as a kid. It's described as a two-for-one deal, sweet and fun all at the same time. The persona is selfish with this love, comparing it to a personal stash of candy. The chorus repeats the line, "I got the munchies for your love," emphasizing the all-consuming and addictive nature of the love he feels.
The song has a playful and tongue-in-cheek feel, with Bootsy Collins using candy and chocolate as metaphors for love. The narrative persona describes how he is "hooked" on this love like a candy bar, and even though the Chocolate star is his bass guitar, it still reminds him of candy. The song ends with a repetition of the chorus, emphasizing the all-consuming nature of love.
Overall, "Munchies For Your Love" is a lighthearted and playful song that compares love to a sweet treat that's hard to resist. It's an interesting take on love that brings a playful spirit to a topic that can often be serious.
Line by Line Meaning
Your love is more than good
Bootsy is extremely satisfied with his lover's affection and is praising it.
It's good and then it's kind of fun
His lover's love is exciting and stimulating, always bringing new joys in his life.
It's like staying up after bedtime when you're still just a kid
The thrill and excitement Bootsy feels from his lover's love is just like a child staying up past their bedtime, feeling mischievous and free.
Your love is two for one
Bootsy's lover's love brings double the pleasure and satisfaction in his life.
It's sweet and then it's kind of fun
His lover's affection is both sweet and entertaining, bringing great joy and happiness into his life.
It's like a whole lot of good things
His lover's love is filled with many positive attributes that bring excitement into his life.
Rolled up into one candy, like love
Bootsy's love is comparing his lover's affection to a candy, that has many great attributes combined together culminating into one really tasty treat.
Your love is a kinda special treat
Bootsy considers his lover's love as a very special and unique form of affection
A personal stash
He considers his lover's affection as something that belongs exclusively to him
And I'm selfish with your love, you see
He admits to being selfish with his lover's love, showing that he treasures it and doesn't want to share it with anyone else.
Your love is kind of sweet, sweet enough to eat
He really enjoys his lover's love and finds it to be a very tasty experience, comparing it to something he can literally eat and enjoy.
I'm hooked on you chocolate star
He's completely enticed and infatuated with his lover's love, likening it to a sweet chocolate candy that he can't resist.
I got the munchies for your love
He craves and desires his lover's love so much that it feels like a kind of hunger, making him want more and more of it.
Oh chocolate star, are ya there?
By addressing his lover as 'chocolate star', he's showing appreciation and admiration for his lover's sweet and desirable nature.
You're just like a candy bar baby, sweet!
He's comparing his lover's sweet and desirable nature to a candy bar, which he finds irresistible.
Watch out!
He wants to warn others to be careful, because his lover's love is so powerful and enticing.
I relate you to a candy bar
He's continuing to compare his lover's love to a sweet candy, reiterating how much he desires it.
But even though you are my bass guitar
He's acknowledging that his lover's love is also significant and important to him, just like his own music.
Oh you make me feel so good I wanna play
By saying he wants to play, he's expressing how his lover's love inspires him and brings him happiness.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Garry Shider, Gary Cooper, George Clinton Jr., William Bootsy Collins
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Ilonfloyd
I'm still enjoying bootsy's & funkadelic's songs in 2024 🎉
@c.j.thadon8763
This song could open up a stargate to a soul funk utopia....
@1990trill
As a kid, I hated riding in the car with my parents listening to "old music." Now I'm thankful that I was exposed to this type of music. My kids will definitely know this song!
@oboyz3848
Same here bro
@user-xh5iy9ds8f
Facts Brody 🎉
@RSD22.
Sick name too '1990Trill' Your soul in the south bro!
@bonkushonkus
i'm 30 and found Bootsy. now i play it for all the other people who missed out.
@toddricfryson972
A 10 minute song & this still isn't long enough. A very timeless track....
@chiefxx8259
Long song but cool ! 🎵"Last night in Rio" by Azymuth 🎼 Slow Brazilian Rythym/Jazz ! something for a quiet mellow drive.
@fathometernity9756
That part…