Parliament–Funkadelic
Two early singles trace George Clinton’s path from New Jersey doo-wop to the collaborations that became Parliament–Funkadelic.
ListenPoor Willie · 1959
The Parliaments — “Poor Willie.”
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1959 · APT Records
Poor Willie / Party Boys
George Clinton’s recording career began with the Parliaments, a New Jersey vocal group with a very different sound from the future P-Funk collective. “Poor Willie” and “Party Boys” preserve that doo-wop beginning. [1] [2]
| Accession | OMMA-0017 |
|---|---|
| Artist | The Parliaments |
| Release | 1959 · United States |
| Label | APT Records · 45-25036 |
| Format | 7-inch vinyl single · 45 rpm |
| Issue | Commercial issue |
| Runouts | Not documented |
| Recorded grade | VG+ |
Release history and significance
Clinton formed the Parliaments while working in a Plainfield barbershop. The singers rehearsed in its back room, taking inspiration from Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers. Hairdressing paid the bills while the group worked towards making records. [2]
APT issued “Poor Willie” with “Party Boys” in 1959. The small single belongs to the long apprenticeship before Clinton’s 1967 breakthrough with “(I Wanna) Testify,” and before the musicians developed the Parliament and Funkadelic identities. [1] [2]
Market context
Discogs lists sales for this APT commercial issue from US$34.99 to US$199.99, with a median of US$45, as recorded on 13 September 2026. The latest listed sale was 26 June 2024. [1]
Physical Description
A seven-inch, 45 rpm single issued by APT Records as 45-25036. The two sides are “Poor Willie” and “Party Boys.” [1]
Condition
The disc is graded VG+.
Provenance
Acquired from Mario Heylen on 27 May 2025.
Sources
- Discogs, The Parliaments — Poor Willie / Party Boys, release 3372810. APT commercial issue, date and sales history.
- George Clinton, official biography. Plainfield barbershop rehearsals and the development of Parliament–Funkadelic.
Catalogue text reviewed 13 September 2026.
ListenWhatever Makes My Baby Feel Good · 1968
Rose Williams, George Clinton and the Funkedelics — “Whatever Makes My Baby Feel Good.”
Listen on YouTube ↗
1968 · Funkedelic Records
Whatever Makes My Baby Feel Good
Rose Williams shares the billing with George Clinton and the Funkedelics on this 1968 single. The name on the label catches Clinton’s music in transition, before Funkadelic became a familiar band identity. [1]
| Accession | OMMA-0024 |
|---|---|
| Artist | Rose Williams, George Clinton and the Funkedelics |
| Release | 1968 · United States |
| Label | Funkedelic Records · MT 6709 |
| Format | 7-inch vinyl single · 45 rpm |
| Issue | Commercial vocal / instrumental single |
| Runouts | Not documented |
| Recorded grade | NM |
Release history and significance
The Parliaments’ success with “(I Wanna) Testify” did not lead to a straightforward career. Trouble at Revilot Records left Clinton looking for a way to keep recording; he regrouped the musicians under the Funkadelic name. [2]
This single was produced by Mike Terry and issued on Funkedelic Records. Rose Williams appears alongside Clinton and the Funkedelics in the artist credit, with the vocal performance backed by an instrumental version of the same song. It is an early physical record of the name and of the collaborations surrounding Clinton’s move from soul towards funk. [1]
Market context
Discogs lists sales for this issue from US$24.99 to US$159.99, with a median of US$67.57, as recorded on 13 September 2026. The latest listed sale was 13 August 2026. [1]
Physical Description
A seven-inch, 45 rpm single on Funkedelic Records, catalogue number MT 6709. The reverse carries the instrumental version of “Whatever Makes My Baby Feel Good.” [1]
Condition
The disc is graded Near Mint.
Provenance
Acquired through Discogs from seller birchall on 12 July 2025.
Sources
- Discogs, Rose Williams, George Clinton and the Funkedelics, release 3678941. Funkedelic Records MT 6709, Mike Terry production, programme and sales history.
- George Clinton, official biography. The change from the Parliaments to Funkadelic.
- 45cat, Whatever Makes My Baby Feel Good. Original artist credit and vocal/instrumental pairing.
Catalogue text reviewed 13 September 2026.