George Clinton's son George Clinton Jr. died of liver disease on Feb. 1 in Tallahassee. Just five days later Mahlia Franklin, former lead singer of the P-Funk off-shoot Parlet, passed away after suffering a stroke.
Franklin (right) also sang back-up with Parliament and fronted her own group Queen of Funk & the Funk Disciples.
Clinton Jr. (left with his father), 50, was found in his Tallahassee apartment by a maintenance man. He used to tour with his father, but more recently stayed home and worked with his own band.
P-Funk representative Chuck Haber sent CelebStoner the following report:
"This was a sad week for the Parliament Funkadelic family. In the space of five days we said goodbye to George Clinton Jr. and one of the legendary ladies of our posse, the Queen of Funk Mahlia Franklin.
"After a long illness, George Clinton Jr., the eldest son of Funk pioneer George Clinton, lost his fight against liver cancer. He can be heard singing background vocals on many P-Funk and George Clinton solo albums. Georgie was a fixture on the road touring with the band in the '90s working behind the scenes and jumping up on stage adding his voice to the chorus. Most recently he was living in Tallahassee, Florida recording and fronting his own band GCIII. Many of you may be more familiar with his daughter Shonda Clinton (a.k.a. the Sativa Diva), longtime singer and rapper in P-Funk. I owe my job in P-Funk to Georgie, so for me and many others his warm laughter and big smile will be sorely missed.
"Mahlia Franklin's contributions to P-Funk are monumental. Mahlia's mighty voice was showcased in Parlet and her backing vocals can be heard on Parliament albums and many of band's greatest hits in the '70s. She was also Queen of the hook up. In 1971, Mahlia was responsible for bringing Bootsy Collins into the P-Funk camp and in 1978 brought Junie Morrison (from the Ohio Players) into the fold. Mahlia was fronting her own band, Queen of Funk & the Funk Disciples, doing what she loved when she suffered a massive stroke shortly before taking it to the stage. On Friday, she left us surrounded by family and friends."
George came through CB, Iowa (Omaha, NE) last winter and I was right up front...it was the best eva! Looking at the dates (just found out today) I'd take it that was his last tour. NOW, I feel so blessed to have seen THAT show. Forever George!
I've lost some family members with the loss of Gary and now this...very heavy hearted right now.
LOVE
4
Monday, 17 May 2010 12:17
georgeclintonclonerichardburrelljr.
george clinton (you are my doctor funkenstein) i had liver, something wrong type 3. tell gc III i said hi cause if anyone can talk to the supposed to be dead, it's gonna be YOU
3
Tuesday, 23 February 2010 18:47
Lady Tnt Cleveland
George Clinton is modest because Jr is remarkable and I pray that the the world is allowed to taste and embrace the joy of it all. RIP. He has to be an angel giving all that desperately needed positivity here on earth.
2
Thursday, 18 February 2010 21:10
The Gypse
Every one of these sample cuts are (WHAT'S UP)I LOVE THAT CUT CALLED FAMILY. Somebody need to be running this CD to the radio stations if nothing but a tribrute to this talented SON OF A FUNK
1
Tuesday, 16 February 2010 11:27
Yvonne
I am ready! Got my Shades shinned and ready for the revolution Power to the People
I've lost some family members with the loss of Gary and now this...very heavy hearted right now.
LOVE