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)
Psychoticbumpschool
Bootsy Collins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And some bump music
(A-okay, I don'play)
Oh unless you're playin' checkers, baby
And some bump music
(A-okay, I don't play)
Oh baby, let me teach you
And some bump music
If you're a freak for a beat
It drives you messin' into your seat
Oh turn me on, baby
I'm the show, you're the show
When we get through
You're gonna holler for more
Bump, bump, bump, bump, baby
Bump, bump, bump
You get up, we get down
Bouncing on the (?)
We'll bounce on, baby, it's all right
Drummer keep the thumpin'
The bass, an keep the booties bumpin'
Doin' it to a rhythmic kind of time
Drummer keep the thumpin'
The bass, an keep the booties bumpin'
Doin' it to a rhythmic kind of time
Kind of time
When you start to hesitate
Pleasure then you can't relate
All you got to do is free you mind
Free your mind
Well, I'm Catfish
And I'm Mudbone
I'm Frankie
I'm Rick
And I'm Meth
Well, now here comes Fred
And I'm Casper
But I won't admit the beam
Because I'm not really him
Now I want all the hip kids
To gather round, baby
Standi'n right in front of your radio
So you can get on down
If you hear some funky fuss
It ain't nobody but us
So get on down, baby
A-okay, I don't play
(Repeat with following)
Oh except my guitar, baby
And some bump music
Oh except the numbers, baby
And some more bump music, psychotic
XYZ, baby, psychotic
From Z to A, it's okay
Sometimes it's better to start
From the end to the beginning, baby
I don't think you hear me
Bump, bump, bumpity, bump
Bump bee bo bump
Psychotic, baby, XYZ
Gotta have an F in there, thought, baby
Bump, bumpity, bump, bee bo bump
What you say
Psychotic, baby, slippery even
Bump, bump, bumpity, bump
Bump, bump, bumpity, bump
XYZ, baby
Bump, bump, bee bo bump
Took me a long time
To get throygh school, baby
In the front door and out the back
I was bumpin'
I said bump, bump, bumpity, bump
Bump, bump, a bee bo bump
Psychotic, baby, XYZ, baby
You don't hear me
Psychotic, baby
Bump, bump, beebo bump
Bump, bump, bumpity bump
Psychotic, baby
Bump, bump, bee bo bump
Bump, bump, psychotic bump, baby
XYZ, baby
Oh here comes driendly Fred, y'all
Look out, friendly Fred
The song "Psychoticbumpschool" by Bootsy Collins, a funk classic released in 1976, is a tribute to the power of rhythm and groove that can make you feel like dancing non-stop. The lyrics are a collection of odd expressions, nonsensical phrases, and funky shouts that create a surreal atmosphere, where the music reigns supreme, and the band members are identified by playful nicknames. The song starts with a declaration of love for the guitar and a funky beat that makes your body move. The next verse invites the listener to join the rhythm and become part of the show, to bounce with the bass, and feel the pleasure of the beat. The chorus is a call to action, to get up and dance, to let the music take over and let the mind be free.
The song's verses are mostly improvised, and the lyrics are an invitation to explore the power of words, sounds, and rhythms. The nicknames given to the band members are meant to be fun and playful, and they reflect their personalities and styles. Catfish and Mudbone are bass players, and they represent the deep and funky groove that drives the band's sound. Frankie and Rick are guitarists, and they add a playful and soulful touch to the music. Meth and Casper are keyboard players, and they give the music a funky and futuristic vibe. Fred is the drummer, and he's the one who keeps the beats and the rhythms in check, making sure the bump school keeps pumping.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh except my guitar, baby
And some bump music
(A-okay, I don'play)
I don't need anything else except my guitar and some bump music to have a good time.
Oh unless you're playin' checkers, baby
And some bump music
(A-okay, I don't play)
Unless we're playing checkers, all we need is some bump music to have a good time.
Oh baby, let me teach you
And some bump music
Let me teach you how to enjoy some bump music.
If you're a freak for a beat
It drives you messin' into your seat
Oh turn me on, baby
I'm the show, you're the show
If you love a funky beat, it will make you dance wildly in your seat. Let me turn up the music, I'm the show and you're the show.
When we get through
You're gonna holler for more
Bump, bump, bump, bump, baby
Bump, bump, bump
You get up, we get down
Bouncing on the (?)
We'll bounce on, baby, it's all right
When we finish, you'll want more. Let's incorporate some bouncy dance moves and get down to the groove.
Drummer keep the thumpin'
The bass, an keep the booties bumpin'
Doin' it to a rhythmic kind of time
Kind of time
The drummer should keep the beat going, while the bassist keeps the booties bumping at a steady rhythm.
When you start to hesitate
Pleasure then you can't relate
All you got to do is free you mind
Free your mind
If you ever hesitate to enjoy yourself, setting your mind free will help you find pleasure in the moment.
Well, I'm Catfish
And I'm Mudbone
I'm Frankie
I'm Rick
And I'm Meth
Well, now here comes Fred
And I'm Casper
But I won't admit the beam
Because I'm not really him
Here are a bunch of names, but I'm not really any of them, except for myself.
Now I want all the hip kids
To gather round, baby
Standi'n right in front of your radio
So you can get on down
I want all the cool kids to come together and listen to the radio so we can dance to the music.
If you hear some funky fuss
It ain't nobody but us
So get on down, baby
If you hear some funky music, it's just us making noise, so come join in on the fun.
Oh except the numbers, baby
And some more bump music, psychotic
XYZ, baby, psychotic
From Z to A, it's okay
Sometimes it's better to start
From the end to the beginning, baby
I don't think you hear me
Bump, bump, bumpity, bump
Bump bee bo bump
Psychotic, baby, XYZ
We need some more bump music, including some with psycho rhythms, and we can play it backwards as well. I don't think you understand the fun we're about to have!
Gotta have an F in there, thought, baby
Bump, bumpity, bump, bee bo bump
What you say
Psychotic, baby, slippery even
Bump, bump, bumpity, bump
Bump, bump, bumpity, bump
Let's add an F to our funky music. Say it with me - bump, bumpity, bump, beebo bump. It's gonna be psychotically fun and slippery even.
XYZ, baby
Bump, bump, bee bo bump
Took me a long time
To get throygh school, baby
In the front door and out the back
I was bumpin'
Let's groove to XYZ, bumping to the rhythm. It took me a while to finish school because I was always trying to have some fun dancing and bumping.
Psychotic, baby, XYZ, baby
You don't hear me
Psychotic, baby
Bump, bump, beebo bump
Bump, bump, bumpity bump
Psychotic, baby
Bump, bump, bee bo bump
Bump, bump, psychotic bump, baby
XYZ, baby
Oh here comes driendly Fred, y'all
Look out, friendly Fred
Let's get crazy to our psycho music, bumping and grooving. Here comes friendly Fred - look out!
Writer(s): Bernie Worrell, Phelps Collins, William Earl Collins, George Clinton
Contributed by Gabriella L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jonas Amaral Bachega
Lyrics:
(A-okay, I don't play)
Oh except my guitar, baby
And some bump music
(A-okay, I don'play)
Oh unless you're playin' checkers, baby
And some bump music
(A-okay, I don't play)
Oh baby, let me teach you
And some bump music
If you're a freak for a beat
It drives you messin' into your seat
Oh turn me on, baby
I'm the show, you're the show
When we get through
You're gonna holler for more
Bump, bump, bump, bump, baby
Bump, bump, bump
You get up, we get down
Bouncing on the (?) We found
We'll bounce on, baby, it's all right
Drummer keep the thumpin'
The bass,an keep the booties bumpin'
Doin' it to a rhythmic kind of time
Drummer keep the thumpin'
The bass,an keep the booties bumpin'
Doin' it to a rhythmic kind of time
Kind of time
When you start to hesitate
Pleasure then you can't relate
All you got to do is free you mind
Free your mind
Allan Gildea
We need more of this joyful, exuberant vibe!
rinkinnie
After many decades, this bumpy booty rockin groove can never be beaten, right on right on!!!!!
TheEdenflux
known for being one of the best bass players. two minutes in after the intro. bootys playing this song with one bass note. love it.
jacobdavison93
Right??? Just that fat E line. So simplistic but perfect for the rest of the melody
William Smith
One of his best tracks off his best album and his first that space bass of his along w/ the horney horns get this jam bumping 1976 a great year💪🏿✅💯😎👌🏾
James Bell Jr
All time favorite Bootsy jam.
Gregory Hunter
Mine as well dude. Really smokin'
rinkinnie
He’s got so many great tracks, but really, it still gets my rump move. I was 8 when this came out, I would be so happy to hear my parents played this. 20 years later I started smoking with my my girlfriend Mary Jane...I thought it was even more groovy... It’s ok, he put his love in my eye, baby...
Jonas Amaral Bachega
Lyrics:
(A-okay, I don't play)
Oh except my guitar, baby
And some bump music
(A-okay, I don'play)
Oh unless you're playin' checkers, baby
And some bump music
(A-okay, I don't play)
Oh baby, let me teach you
And some bump music
If you're a freak for a beat
It drives you messin' into your seat
Oh turn me on, baby
I'm the show, you're the show
When we get through
You're gonna holler for more
Bump, bump, bump, bump, baby
Bump, bump, bump
You get up, we get down
Bouncing on the (?) We found
We'll bounce on, baby, it's all right
Drummer keep the thumpin'
The bass,an keep the booties bumpin'
Doin' it to a rhythmic kind of time
Drummer keep the thumpin'
The bass,an keep the booties bumpin'
Doin' it to a rhythmic kind of time
Kind of time
When you start to hesitate
Pleasure then you can't relate
All you got to do is free you mind
Free your mind
scriplinque
When I was a little kid, I wanted to go to Psychoticbumpschool and have funky fun with friendly friends. Watch out! Friendly friends! Watch out!