Parlet

Biography

Parlet was an American female funk group formed in Detroit, Michigan in 1978 as a spin-off from the legendary Parliament-Funkadelic collective. The group was conceived by George Clinton, who sought to create a female counterpart to the P-Funk sound, drawing on the talents of veteran background vocalists Mallia Franklin, Jeanette Washington, and Debbie Wright. These women had already made their mark as the first female members of Parliament-Funkadelic, contributing vocals to both Parliament and Funkadelic recordings in the mid-1970s.

Parlet debuted with the album 'Pleasure Principle' in 1978, followed by 'Invasion of the Booty Snatchers' (1979) and 'Play Me or Trade Me' (1980). Their music was characterized by infectious funk grooves, soulful harmonies, and the signature P-Funk blend of humor and social commentary. Despite frequent lineup changes—Shirley Hayden and Janice Evans joined later—the group maintained a strong presence within the P-Funk universe, touring with the collective and contributing to its expansive sound. Parlet disbanded in 1980, but their brief run left a lasting impression on the funk genre, highlighting the essential role of women in the P-Funk movement.

Fun Facts

• Parlet was originally named 'The Parlettes' before shortening their name.
• Mallia Franklin was instrumental in introducing Bootsy Collins to George Clinton, helping shape the P-Funk sound.
• Debbie Wright and Jeanette Washington were the first female members of Parliament-Funkadelic.
• Parlet's albums were produced with significant input and resources from Casablanca Records, thanks to George Clinton's influence.

Members

• Mallia Franklin
• Shirley Hayden
• Jeanette Washington
• Debbie Wright

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• George Clinton - Creator, producer, and conceptual mentor; guided the group's formation and sound as part of the P-Funk collective. (Pleasure Principle, Invasion of the Booty Snatchers, Play Me or Trade Me) [1978–1980]

Key Collaborators

• Mallia Franklin - Founding member, vocalist, and songwriter; also contributed to Parliament-Funkadelic projects. (Pleasure Principle, Invasion of the Booty Snatchers) [1978–1979]
• Jeanette Washington - Founding member and only member to remain throughout Parlet's career; also worked with Parliament, Funkadelic, and Sweat Band. (All Parlet albums, Parliament and Funkadelic recordings) [1978–1980]
• Debbie Wright - Founding member and vocalist; previously a background singer for Parliament. (Pleasure Principle) [1978]
• Shirley Hayden - Vocalist who replaced Debbie Wright for touring and recording. (Invasion of the Booty Snatchers, Play Me or Trade Me) [1979–1980]
• Janice Evans - Vocalist who joined during the recording of the second album. (Invasion of the Booty Snatchers, Play Me or Trade Me) [1979–1980]
• Parliament-Funkadelic - Shared musicians, producers, and creative direction; Parlet was a direct offshoot. (Multiple Parliament and Funkadelic albums) [1975–1980]

Artists Influenced

• Dawn Silva - Collaborated with Jeanette Washington after Parlet; continued the tradition of female-fronted funk. (Recordings with Jeanette Washington (2000)) [2000]
• Contemporary female funk artists - Parlet's pioneering role as an all-female funk group inspired later generations of women in funk and R&B. (Various) [1980s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Dimensions (Her (Original Score))
2. Song on the Beach (Her (Original Score))
3. Photograph (Her (Original Score))
4. Song on the Beach
5. Loneliness #3 (Night Talking) (Her (Original Score))
6. Some Other Place (Her (Original Score))
7. Sleepwalker (Her (Original Score))
8. Milk & Honey #1 (Her (Original Score))
9. Divorce Papers (Her (Original Score))
10. Morning Talk / Supersymmetry (Her (Original Score))

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz