Lynn Mabry

Lynn Mabry is an American singer best known for her work with Parliament-Funkadelic and as co-founder of The Brides of Funkenstein. Known for her dynamic stage presence and powerful vocals, Mabry has also toured or recorded with artists such as Talking Heads, George Michael, Don Henley, Bette Midler, Sheila E., and others. In addition to her performance career, she is recognized for her philanthropic work providing music and arts programs for underserved youth.

Lynn Mabry
Mabry in 2009
Background information
Born	(1958-03-21)March 21, 1958 Vallejo, California, U.S.
Genres	Funk, soul, pop, R&B, Rock
Occupations	Singer, backing vocalist
Years active	1970s–present

Early life

Mabry was born and raised in Vallejo, California, in a musical household and grew up singing in her local church.^[1] She began her professional music career as a teenager performing with Latin percussionist Coke Escovedo’s band, appearing on TV shows and touring as an opening act for Earth, Wind & Fire.^[2]

Sly Stone and Parliament-Funkadelic

In 1976, Mabry was hired by her cousin Sly Stone as a backing vocalist for his album Heard Ya Missed Me, Well I'm Back.^[3] She toured with Sly Stone’s band, opening for George Clinton’s Parliament-Funkadelic and Bootsy Collins. Clinton invited Mabry and fellow Sly Stone backing vocalist Dawn Silva to join his expanding P-Funk collective.^[4]

Mabry recorded backing vocals on P-Funk releases including Funkentelechy vs. the Placebo Syndrome (1977) and appeared on major P-Funk tours.^[5]

The Brides of Funkenstein

In 1978, Clinton created the all-female spin-off group The Brides of Funkenstein for Mabry and Silva. As a duo, their debut album, Funk Or Walk, was produced by Clinton and released on Atlantic Records.^[6] The lead single "Disco to Go" sold over half a million copies and became a funk classic.^[7]

Mabry left the Brides in 1979 before their second album. Shortly after her departure, she gave birth to her daughter with P-Funk keyboardist Junie Morrison.^[8] Clinton reformed the Brides as a trio with Silva and previous Bridesmaids, Sheila Horne and Jeanette McGruder.

Later collaborations

After leaving P-Funk, Mabry returned to touring in the early 1980s, singing backup for Rita Coolidge. In 1983–1984, she joined Talking Heads as a featured vocalist on their Stop Making Sense tour, appearing in the iconic concert film directed by Jonathan Demme.^[9] Her gospel-infused vocals and energetic stage performances were highlighted by critics as a key part of the film’s legacy.

Through the 1980s and 1990s, Mabry toured or recorded with George Michael (Faith and Cover to Cover tours), Don Henley, Bette Midler, Rod Stewart, Elton John, and Sheila E. She also appeared on TV specials and film soundtracks.^[10] In 2013, her story and impact were featured in the Oscar-winning documentary 20 Feet from Stardom about the history of backup singers.

Philanthropy and Elevate Oakland

Left to right: Sheila E. and Lynn Mabry discuss the "Elevate Hope Foundation" in 2009

In 1996, Mabry co-founded Heaven Productions Music, Inc. with Sheila E. and served as Sheila E.’s manager for many years.^[1] In 2001, they launched the nonprofit Elevate Hope Foundation to bring music and arts therapy to children who have experienced abuse. After moving its focus to schools, Mabry co-founded Elevate Oakland, which partners with the Oakland Unified School District to deliver music education programs to underserved schools.

Selected discography

• Sly and the Family Stone – Heard Ya Missed Me, Well I’m Back (1976)
• Eddie Hazel – Games, Dames and Guitar Thangs (1977)
• Fred Wesley & The Horny Horns – A Blow for Me, A Toot to You (1977)
• Parliament – Funkentelechy vs. the Placebo Syndrome (1977)
• Funkadelic – One Nation Under a Groove (1978)
• Parliament – Motor Booty Affair (1978)
• Fred Wesley & The Horny Horns – Say Blow By Blow Backwards (1979)
• The Brides of Funkenstein – Funk Or Walk (1978)
• Talking Heads – Stop Making Sense (live, 1984)

Filmography

• Stop Making Sense (1984)
• 20 Feet from Stardom (2013)
• Cameos in Tapeheads and The Night Before (both 1988)