Clarence “Fuzzy” Haskins, co-founder and original member of the iconic Parliament-Funkadelic passed away at the age of 81.
Haskins’ bandmate Bootsy Collins announced his death on Friday via Twitter.
“PRAYER’S GOING OUT TO CLARENCE ‘FUZZYS’ HASKINS FAMILY & FRIENDS. WE LOST HIS FREQUENCY TODAY 3-17- 23,” COLLINS WROTE.
“He was an original Parliament/Funkadelic inducted in the RHOF. We will miss u my friend, bandmate & Soul brother! Thx u for ur guidance in my pup year’s. Bootsy baby!!!”
Clinton’s website posted a more in-depth eulogy, recounting Haskins’ history with the group and his significant contributions.
“Fuzzy wrote and co-wrote some of Funkadelic’s earliest classics, including ‘I Got A Thing’ (featuring his vocals) and ‘I Wanna Know If It’s Good To You,’” the website stated.
“He was a good drummer as well, as he proved on ‘Can You Get To That,’ which he also co-wrote. Some of Fuzzy’s best vocals appeared on Funkadelic’s 1972 LP America Eats Its Young, most notably on ‘Ms Lucifers Love.’”
“BUT SINGING WASN’T THE ONLY THING THAT FUZZY BROUGHT TO P-FUNK,” THE STATEMENT CONTINUED.
“He was known, during live P-Funk shows, to don skin-tight bodysuits and gyrate against the microphone pole as he whipped the crowd into a frenzy, especially when they performed ‘Standing on the Verge of Getting it On.’”
Haskins’ death comes over a year after the passing of Parliament-Funkadelic co-founder Calvin Simmons, who died in January 2022 at the age of 79 .
