On Friday (Jan. 19), George Clinton became the newest person to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.
Surrounded by members of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, close friends like Al B. Sure! and Lenny Kravitz, and his guest speakers: Motown songwriter Janie Bradford, Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and civil rights attorney Ben Crump, Clinton basked in his fluctuating emotions during the ceremony.
“This is an honor to receive this star […] I’m so emotional. This is something very special for me. I’m proud as hell,” said the 82-year-old during his acceptance speech. He recalled when he lived in Hollywood with dreams of having a star one day.
Clinton continued, dedicating his speech to those who got him here. “The old fans and new fans who let the music move their souls; you all know who I’m talking about [because] I’ve always said it’s the people who make the funk. Thank you to Omega Psi Phi who adopted ‘Atomic Dog’ as their national anthem and keeping it relevant for over 40 years. Damn! 40 years,” he exclaimed.
As the formidable Prime Minister of Funk, Clinton hopes that his star will represent “the power of unity of one nation under a groove.”
In addition to the star, Hollywood Chamber of Commerce president Steve Nissen also proclaimed Jan. 19 as “George Clinton Day” in Hollywood.
Clinton will continue to reflect on his legacy with Audible. His episode, …And Your A** Will Follow, from their Words + Music series premieres on Feb. 2. It will explore his path “from Motown to Mothership” and beyond through spirited anecdotes and live performances of select classics like “Flashlight” and “Give Up The Funk.”
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