eddie hazel

Biography

Eddie Hazel (April 10, 1950 – December 23, 1992) was an American guitarist and singer best known for his pioneering work with Parliament-Funkadelic, where his expressive, psychedelic-infused guitar style helped define the sound of funk rock and psychedelic rock. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Hazel moved to Plainfield, New Jersey, as a child, where he sang in church and began playing guitar at an early age. By his early teens, he had formed a musical partnership with bassist Billy 'Bass' Nelson, and together they became central figures in the burgeoning funk scene.

Hazel's career took off when he joined George Clinton's backing band for The Parliaments, which soon evolved into Funkadelic. His innovative guitar work was a driving force on the group's early albums, particularly on the iconic ten-minute solo in 'Maggot Brain' (1971), widely regarded as one of the greatest guitar solos ever recorded. Hazel's style blended elements of rock, soul, and funk, marked by emotive phrasing and a distinctive use of distortion and effects. Despite personal and financial struggles that led to intermittent participation in the band, Hazel continued to contribute to Parliament-Funkadelic's evolving sound, co-writing and arranging key tracks and releasing his own solo album, 'Game, Dames and Guitar Thangs' in 1977.

Though Hazel died at the age of 42 from liver failure and internal bleeding, his legacy endures. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Parliament-Funkadelic in 1997, and his influence can be heard in generations of guitarists across genres. His work, especially 'Maggot Brain', remains a touchstone for musicians seeking to blend technical mastery with deep emotional expression.

Fun Facts

• The legendary 'Maggot Brain' solo was recorded after George Clinton told Hazel to play as if he had just learned his mother had died, channeling raw emotion into the performance.
• Hazel's only solo album, 'Game, Dames and Guitar Thangs' (1977), featured several Parliament-Funkadelic members and has become a cult classic.
• He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Parliament-Funkadelic in 1997.
• Hazel credited his mother, Grace Cook, as the inspiration for his successes and even credited her on Funkadelic's 'Standing on the Verge of Getting It On.'

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• George Clinton - Band leader and creative mentor; recruited Hazel into The Parliaments' backing band and later Funkadelic, shaping his musical direction. (Funkadelic albums (1970–1971), Parliament albums (early 1970s)) [1967–early 1980s]

Key Collaborators

• Billy 'Bass' Nelson - Longtime friend and musical partner; co-founded Funkadelic and played together in multiple bands. (Funkadelic, Parliament, Game, Dames and Guitar Thangs) [1960s–1970s]
• Tiki Fulwood - Drummer; core member of early Funkadelic lineup with Hazel. (Funkadelic albums (1970–1971)) [Late 1960s–early 1970s]
• Bernie Worrell - Keyboardist; key member of Parliament-Funkadelic, collaborated on many recordings. (Funkadelic, Parliament albums) [1970s]
• George Clinton - Band leader and collaborator; worked together on Parliament-Funkadelic projects and Clinton's solo work. (Funkadelic, Parliament, Computer Games (1982)) [1967–1980s]

Artists Influenced

• John Frusciante - Cited Hazel as a major influence, recorded a tribute to 'Maggot Brain'. (The Empyrean (2009), track 'Before the Beginning') [2000s]
• Ween - Recorded a tribute song in Hazel's honor. (Chocolate and Cheese (1994), track 'A Tear for Eddie') [1990s]
• Nick Cave - Named Hazel as one of his favorite guitarists. (General influence on guitar style) [Ongoing]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. California Dreamin' (Game, Dames And Guitar Thangs)
2. I Want You (She's so Heavy) (Game, Dames And Guitar Thangs)
3. What About It? (Game, Dames And Guitar Thangs)
4. Physical Love (Game, Dames And Guitar Thangs)
5. Frantic Moment (Game, Dames And Guitar Thangs)
6. Smedley Smorganoff (Jams From The Heart)
7. So Goes the Story (Game, Dames And Guitar Thangs)
8. Uncut Funk (Jams From The Heart)
9. California Dreaming (AT HOME)
10. California Dreamin' - Reprise (Game, Dames And Guitar Thangs)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia