Author Seth Neblett brings long overdue focus to the women who shaped the sound, vision, and legacy of Parliament Funkadelic with Mothership Connected The Women of Parliament Funkadelic, out now. Told as an oral history, the book centers the voices of Mallia Franklin, Lynn Mabry, Dawn Silva, Debbie Wright, and Shirley Hayden, artists whose contributions powered P Funk and its offshoots Parlet and the Brides of Funkenstein. Their stories unfold from the earliest days of the collective to the heights of global influence, revealing how these women helped build one of the most important movements in American music. The book feels revelatory, generous, and deeply necessary, finally giving these pioneers the space they deserve.
Drawing from first hand accounts and reflections from figures like George Clinton, Sly Stone, and Bootsy Collins, Neblett presents a clear eyed and compassionate portrait of creativity, ambition, and survival. The narrative explores artistry, industry power dynamics, and the realities faced by Black women navigating a turbulent era, all while celebrating their musical brilliance and cultural impact. Mothership Connected reads as both a historical correction and a powerful celebration, offering insight, recognition, and lasting resonance for funk fans and music readers alike.