Funk music lost one of its unsung greats this week as Parliament-Funkadelic singer-guitarist and songwriter Garry Shider passed away on June 16, aged 56, from complications due to cancer. Anyone playing behind George Clinton, P-Funk’s mad genius ringleader, was destined to spend most of his or her time in the shadows, but Shider distinguished himself with his wormily insinuating vocals and writing ability–he helped compose funk classics such as “Bop Gun” and “One Nation Under a Groove.” (His tendency to wear a loincloth onstage also helped him stand out.) Shider was, and will continue to be, a beacon of funky freedom.

(more…)