Parlet
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1978 |
| Founder | George Clinton |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Funk music albums and singles |
Parlet emerged in 1978 as a female funk ensemble originating from the Parliament-Funkadelic collective. Conceived by George Clinton, the group functioned as a female counterpart to Parliament, merging gritty funk grooves with theatrical elements and a daring sensual style. The founding members were veteran P-Funk vocalists Debbie Wright, Jeanette Washington, and Mallia Franklin, who had previously provided backing vocals on Parliament-Funkadelic projects throughout the mid-1970s.
Origins and concept
Established in 1978 by funk visionary George Clinton, Parlet was created alongside Brides of Funkenstein to highlight the female talent within the P-Funk universe. Vocalists Debbie Wright and Jeanette Washington, both seasoned P-Funk singers, initiated studio sessions for their debut album, Pleasure Principle. During these sessions, Mallia Franklin joined to complete the trio and finalize the recording process.
Pleasure Principle (1978)
Issued in early 1978 under Casablanca Records, Pleasure Principle was produced by George Clinton and featured prominent P‑Funk musicians such as Bootsy Collins, Garry Shider, and Bernie Worrell. The album combined robust funk and disco beats with rich harmonies delivered by the trio. Although it received favorable critical reception, it reached only No. 55 on the Billboard R&B albums chart. Following its release, Wright departed due to health concerns, which hindered further promotion and touring activities.
Lineup shifts and Invasion of the Booty Snatchers (1979)
After Wright’s exit, Shirley Hayden joined Washington and Franklin, forming a lineup noted for their dynamic performances alongside Parliament-Funkadelic. During the production of Invasion of the Booty Snatchers, Franklin left and was succeeded by Janice Evans, completing the trio featured on the 1979 record. Co-produced by Clinton and Ron Dunbar, this album introduced the P-Funk Horns (Greg Boyer, Greg Thomas, Bennie Cowan) and included the standout track “Ridin’ High”.
Parlet toured extensively with Parliament-Funkadelic during the Mothership Connection period, earning acclaim for their synchronized dance routines and stage charisma that matched the collective’s elaborate theatrics. George Clinton described their vocal delivery as embodying “the right amount of sex and soul,” emphasizing Parlet’s distinctive role within P‑Funk.
Play Me or Trade Me and dissolution (1980)
The group’s third release, Play Me or Trade Me (1980), featured Washington, Hayden, and Evans, supported by younger P-Funk musicians such as Lige Curry and the Ali brothers. The track “Wolf Tickets” included a guest vocal from Clinton. However, due to Casablanca Records’ financial difficulties, promotion was minimal and sales underwhelming. Amid internal challenges within P-Funk, Parlet quietly disbanded.
Legacy
Active for just three years, Parlet broke new ground as the first female-fronted group within the P-Funk collective, shifting women from background roles into the spotlight. Their legacy is recognized in the increased prominence of female vocalists throughout funk, soul, and hip-hop genres.
Discography
| Studio albums | US R&B |
Year |
|---|---|---|
| Pleasure Principle | 55 | 1978 |
| Invasion of the Booty Snatchers | 73 | 1979 |
| Play Me or Trade Me | — | 1980 |
| Singles | US R&B |
Year |
|---|---|---|
| "Pleasure Principle" | 66 | 1978 |
| "Ridin’ High" | 49 | 1979 |
| "Wolf Tickets" | 67 | 1980 |
| "Help from My Friends" | 73 | 1980 |