Rosalind Mallia Franklin (March 3, 1952 – February 5, 2010) was an American funk singer and songwriter. Known as the "Queen of Funk," she was a vocalist with Parliament-Funkadelic and original member of the P-Funk spin-off group Parlet. She is also credited with helping bring key musicians like Bootsy Collins and Junie Morrison into the P-Funk collective.

Early life

Franklin was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. Her father encouraged her musical ambitions, originally hoping she would become an opera singer. As a young woman, Franklin became close with George Clinton and other early Parliament musicians. In 1971, she introduced Clinton to Bootsy Collins, who had recently left James Brown’s band, helping establish one of funk’s most influential partnerships.

Career

Parliament-Funkadelic

By the mid-1970s, Franklin joined Clinton’s Parliament-Funkadelic as a background vocalist. She recorded vocals for albums such as Chocolate City (1975) and Funkadelic’s Uncle Jam Wants You (1979). Her harmonies were part of P-Funk’s signature multi-layered vocal sound both in studio and on the group’s elaborate live tours.

Parlet

In 1978, George Clinton formed Parlet with Franklin, Debbie Wright and Jeanette Washington.

She released her solo album, Funken Tersepter, in 1995 through Japan’s P-Vine Records. The record featured many P-Funk members, including Fred Wesley, Maceo Parker, Junie Morrison, and Eddie Hazel.

Franklin also co-wrote “Suited & Booted” for Snoop Dogg’s 2002 album Paid tha Cost to Be da Bo$$.

Legacy

Franklin is remembered for her pivotal role in Parliament-Funkadelic and for mentoring and connecting major funk artists. She is often called the “Queen of Funk” for her contributions to the genre and her leadership in the P-Funk sister groups.

Discography

Solo

  • Funken Tersepter (P‑Vine, 1995) – Japanese-only solo album featuring P‑Funk musicians.

With Parlet

  • Pleasure Principle (Casablanca, 1978) – debut Parlet album with co-founder Mallia Franklin on vocals.
  • Invasion of the Booty Snatchers (Casablanca, 1979) – Franklin appears on the album before departing the group.

With Parliament-Funkadelic

  • Parliament – Chocolate City (Casablanca, 1975) – credited for background vocals.
  • Parliament – Motor Booty Affair (Casablanca, 1978) – background vocals.
  • Funkadelic – Uncle Jam Wants You (Warner Bros., 1979) – background vocals.
  • Various Parliament-Funkadelic recordings, including uncredited contributions on live albums like Parliament Live: P‑Funk Earth Tour (1977) and studio releases with layered vocals, per interviews and oral histories.

Other contributions

  • Bootsy’s Rubber Band – This Boot Is Made for Fonk‑N (Warner Bros., 1979) – background vocals.
  • Sweat Band – Sweat Band (Uncle Jam, 1980) – vocals.
  • Zapp – Zapp II (Warner Bros., 1982) – background vocals.

Later / posthumous

  • Dice – “So Many Rainy Dayz” (single, 2011) – featured vocals on Detroit rapper Dice’s track.

References

  • Mallia Franklin at Discogs