Bernie Worrell

Date of Birth: April 19, 1944

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: June 24, 2016

Biography

George Bernard “Bernie” Worrell Jr. was an American keyboardist and composer, renowned for his work with Parliament-Funkadelic and his contributions to the development of funk music. Born in Long Branch, New Jersey, Worrell was a musical prodigy who began studying classical piano at age three and performed with the Washington Symphony Orchestra by age ten. He attended Juilliard School and the New England Conservatory of Music, honing his skills and developing a unique sound that would later revolutionize popular music. In the early 1970s, Worrell joined forces with George Clinton and became a pivotal member of Parliament-Funkadelic. His innovative use of synthesizers and keyboards, particularly the Minimoog, helped define the band’s groundbreaking sound. Worrell’s work on albums such as “Mothership Connection” and “Funkentelechy vs. the Placebo Syndrome” cemented his legacy in the music industry. Beyond Parliament-Funkadelic, Worrell collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Talking Heads, Keith Richards, and Mos Def. He also released several solo albums that showcased his versatility and continued influence on modern music. Bernie Worrell passed away on June 24, 2016, but his contributions to music continue to inspire artists and fans worldwide.

5 Interesting Facts about Bernie Worrell

1. Bernie Worrell was a classically trained pianist who began his musical education at the age of three.

2. He was an original member of Parliament-Funkadelic and played a key role in the band’s development of the funk genre.

3. Worrell’s innovative use of the Minimoog synthesizer became a hallmark of Parliament-Funkadelic’s sound.

4. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 as a member of Parliament-Funkadelic.

5. In addition to his work with Parliament-Funkadelic, Worrell was a touring member of Talking Heads and played on several of their albums.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Bernie Worrell

1. “I am a musician who happens to play keyboards.”

2. “Music is a gift from God, and I don’t take it for granted.”

3. “The Minimoog allowed me to add a new dimension to the music we were creating.”

4. “Funk is not just a genre; it’s a way of life.”

5. “My goal has always been to push the boundaries of what music can be.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Bernie Worrell’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million.

Children

Bernie Worrell had several children, including his daughter Kimbrough Worrell and son George Worrell. They have shared stories of their father’s passion for music and his influence on their lives.