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Phelps 'Catfish' Collins, Guitarist for Parliament and James Brown, Dead at 66

Phelps 'Catfish' CollinsTristan Fewings, Retna

Legendary funk guitarist Phelps "Catfish" Collins died on Aug. 6 in Cincinnati after a long battle with cancer, according to Rolling Stone. He was 66.

Collins grew up in Cincinnati with his brother and bandmate Bootsy Collins, helping the flamboyant bassist develop his signature sound. "My world will never be the same without him," Bootsy said in a statement. "Be happy for him, he certainly is now and always has been the happiest young fellow I ever met on this planet."

In 1968, the brothers played together in the Pacemakers until James Brown hired them to join his touring band, J.B.'s in 1969. Collins's made big contributions to a number of Brown's notable songs including ' Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine,' 'Soul Power' and 'Super Bad.'

After playing with Brown for two years, the original J.B.'s quit and the Collins brothers moved on to perform with Parliament-Funkadelic. Collins not only played on the band's 1972 album 'America Eats Its Young' but also contributed to his brother's side project, Bootsy's Rubber Band. Collins left P-Funk in 1983 and most recently contributed the 'Superbad' soundtrack in 2007.

Collins' passing comes almost two months after fellow Parliament-Funkadelic guitarist Garry Shider died from brain and lung cancer at the age of 56.

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Desiree

Catfish was a sweet, quiet and wonderful person when I knew him many years ago and I have always been proud to say I knew him when. May he rest in peace and God bless his soul. With love.

August 16 2010 at 6:23 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
mark

Very sad day. I grew up in high school in the seventies and agree with Jerry- THE most musically creative, mixed sound eras was during Catfish hazedaze of the seventies and early eighties- what a blast those days were. If only...... Take care and RIP. And thank you.

August 11 2010 at 2:24 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jerry

I miss this era of music, when so many differing styles mixed and would actually play on the same venue! This was a truly creative era in music, and he'll be missed!

August 11 2010 at 1:57 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Barbara

We want the funk...gonna miss the funk

August 11 2010 at 1:47 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Duane

Cancer, what a "funky" way to go.

August 10 2010 at 11:52 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
charles williams

rip catfish god bless your family,gary shiders as well....p funk family the baddest musicans in the world

August 10 2010 at 10:04 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Hey you

RIP Mr. Collins. G-d Bless you and yours, sir.-Michelle

August 10 2010 at 9:54 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
DDayze

Save us a seat on the Mothership, Catfish! Thank-you for enriching my life with joy, love, and funk! Condolences to your family. Our hometown glitters a little less brightly tonite......

August 10 2010 at 9:11 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Nate

Forever Funkin On! God Bless Ya! I learned how to play from the Funk...the coolest ever....often duplicated, never imitated

August 10 2010 at 8:54 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Yeah, it\'s me

Catfish ~ we were honored to have known you. Be in peace with your Lord.

August 10 2010 at 8:54 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply