Fuzzy Haskins, a founding member of Parliament-Funkadelic and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, died at 81.
Fuzzy Haskins, a founding member and lead singer of the iconic funk band Parliament-Funkadelic, passed away on March 18, 2023, at age 81. Rolling Stone confirmed the news of Haskins’ passing through their official Twitter account.
Rest in power, Fuzzy Haskins… pic.twitter.com/tRbz242Zsk
— Miley Ray Syphilis (@Runtt1) March 20, 2023
Fuzzy Haskins was a vital cog in the funk revolution of the 1970s and ‘80s, and his soulful vocals helped to shape the sound of these two legendary bands. In addition, his distinctive voice and infectious energy helped to propel Parliament-Funkadelic to the forefront of the music scene, paving the way for countless other musicians to follow in their footsteps.
Born in West Virginia in 1941, Haskins grew up surrounded by music. His mother and grandmother were singers, and he quickly loved rhythm and blues. In the late 1950s, Haskins moved to Plainfield, New Jersey, and joined a vocal group called the Parliaments. The group eventually morphed into Parliament-Funkadelic, and Haskins became integral to the band’s success.
Throughout his career, Haskins has worked with some of the biggest names in music. He collaborated with George Clinton, Bootsy Collins, and Bernie Worrell. In addition to his work with Parliament-Funkadelic, Haskins released several solo albums, including the critically acclaimed A Whole Nother Thang.
Remembering Fuzzy Haskins
Fuzzy Haskins’ passing marks the end of an era for funk music. His contributions to Parliament-Funkadelic helped to shape the sound of an entire generation, and his influence can still be heard in contemporary music today. Fans and fellow musicians alike have taken to social media to pay tribute to Haskins and express their condolences to his family.
In a statement, George Clinton wrote, “Fuzzy was more than a friend and musical genius. He was the heart and soul of everything we did. His energy and spirit will be sorely missed, but his music will live forever.”
For funk music fans, Fuzzy Haskins’ passing is a reminder of just how much the genre owes to him and his contemporaries. While he may be gone, his legacy lives on, and he will forever be remembered as one of the greatest voices in funk music history.