Brides of Funkenstein

Biography

The Brides of Funkenstein were an influential American funk and soul group formed in the late 1970s by vocalists Dawn Silva and Lynn Mabry. Both Silva and Mabry had previously served as background singers for Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone before joining the P-Funk collective led by George Clinton in the mid-1970s. Clinton, inspired by the Parliament album 'The Clones of Dr. Funkenstein,' named the group and produced their debut album, 'Funk Or Walk,' released on Atlantic Records in 1978. The album was a commercial and critical success, with the single 'Disco to Go' achieving gold status in the US and platinum in Europe and Asia, and the group winning a Record World award for best new female group.

Following Mabry's departure in 1979, Silva continued the group with new members Sheila Horne and Jeanette McGruder. This lineup recorded the acclaimed album 'Never Buy Texas From A Cowboy,' which received a Cashbox Rhythm & Blues award for best new female artist, surpassing notable acts like The Pointer Sisters and Sister Sledge. The Brides became known for their dynamic live performances, often opening for Parliament-Funkadelic and contributing backing vocals to the ensemble. Although a third album, 'Shadows On The Wall, Shaped Like The Hat You Wore,' was recorded in 1980, it was never officially released, with many of its tracks later appearing in the broader P-Funk catalog.

The Brides of Funkenstein's musical style blended deep funk grooves with soulful harmonies and theatrical flair, reflecting the larger-than-life P-Funk aesthetic. Their legacy endures through their pioneering role as one of the few all-female acts in the male-dominated funk scene, their influence on subsequent generations of funk and R&B artists, and the continued touring and recording activities of Dawn Silva, who has worked with acts such as the Gap Band and Ice Cube.

Fun Facts

• The group was named after a fictional storyline from the Parliament album 'The Clones of Dr. Funkenstein.'
• Their debut single 'Disco to Go' was originally performed live by Bootsy’s Rubber Band before being recorded by the Brides.
• Their second album, 'Never Buy Texas From A Cowboy,' was ranked by Rolling Stone in 2001 as one of the top 50 coolest albums ever released.
• Dawn Silva continued to tour and record as The Brides of Funkenstein well into the 2000s, keeping the group's legacy alive.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• George Clinton - P-Funk leader, named and produced the group, major creative force (Funk Or Walk, Never Buy Texas From A Cowboy) [1977–1980]
• Sly Stone - Both founding members were background singers for Sly and the Family Stone, influencing their style (Live performances with Sly and the Family Stone) [Early-mid 1970s]

Key Collaborators

• Lynn Mabry - Co-founder and original member, vocalist (Funk Or Walk, Game, Dames and Guitar Thangs) [1977–1979, brief reunion 1981]
• Dawn Silva - Co-founder, lead singer, continued group after Mabry's departure (All albums, P-Funk tours) [1977–present]
• Sheila Horne - Joined as vocalist after Mabry's departure (Never Buy Texas From A Cowboy) [1979–1980]
• Jeanette McGruder - Joined as vocalist after Mabry's departure (Never Buy Texas From A Cowboy) [1979–1980]
• Eddie Hazel - P-Funk guitarist, Brides provided vocals for his album (Game, Dames and Guitar Thangs) [1977]
• Bootsy Collins - Co-writer and producer of 'Disco To Go', P-Funk bassist (Funk Or Walk) [1978]
• Parliament-Funkadelic - Frequent live and studio collaborators, shared musicianship and tours (Various P-Funk projects and tours) [1977–1980]

Artists Influenced

• En Vogue - Cited as an inspiration for all-female R&B/funk groups (General influence on vocal harmonies and performance style) [1990s]
• Contemporary funk and R&B artists - Pioneered female-fronted funk ensembles, influencing later acts (General influence) [1980s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Disco to Go (Funk Or Walk)
2. Birdie (Funk Or Walk)
3. Amorous (Funk Or Walk)
4. Never Buy Texas from a Cowboy (Never Buy Texas From A Cowboy)
5. Just Like You (Funk Or Walk)
6. Party up in Here (Never Buy Texas From A Cowboy)
7. Nappy (Funk Or Walk)
8. Smoke Signals (Never Buy Texas From A Cowboy)
9. Didn't Mean to Fall in Love (Never Buy Texas From A Cowboy)
10. War Ship Touchante (Funk Or Walk)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia