Jazz, techno, rock and roll – Detroit has played a pioneering role in many genres of music, but perhaps none more so than in the development of funk – as personified by George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic. A new Independent Lens PBS documentary titled “WE WANT THE FUNK!” captures the rich history of funk and its continuing influence, both in Detroit and globally. It premieres on Detroit PBS April 8 at 9 p.m. and will be televised again at 8 p.m. on April 11.  

Emmy Award-winning filmmakers Stanley Nelson and Nicole London, who is also a Grammy-nominated producer, directed and produced the film, which explores the lifespan of funk from its early roots in jazz and soul to the mainstream influence of artists like James Brown and George Clinton and funk’s impact on genres like new wave and hip hop.

In conjunction with the new documentary, Detroit PBS partnered with Indie Lens Pop-Up and The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History to host a sold-out film screening and panel discussion led by “Detroit Performs” host Satori Shakoor on April 3. The panel features George Clinton’s Road and Entertainment Manager Cheryl James; funk musician, composer and producer David Lee Spradley; and Detroit techno pioneer Kevin Saunderson, whose music has been influenced by the genre.  

“American Black Journal” host Stephen Henderson sat down with Shakoor, who was a member of the Brides of Funkenstein, the backup vocalists for George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic. Shakoor joined the Brides of Funkenstein in 1979 for the group’s second album, “Never Buy Texas From A Cowboy.” At the time she joined the group, Shakoor was a session vocalist for Atlantic Records. She also toured with the group alongside George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic. 

Shakoor reflects on her recording and touring experiences with the group and how she always wanted to be a singer. She discusses how Motown influenced George Clinton and his music, along with the politics of the 1970s, and the Black Power movement.