Bernie Worrell, a Founding Member of Parliament-Funkadelic, Dead at 72

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Bernie Worrell, known as the “Wizard of Woo” and a founding member of Parliament-Funkadelic, has died at 72 after a battle with cancer. Worrell was a keyboardist for the group, known for his innovative use of the Moog synthesizer. He left the band in 1981, but continued to collaborate with P-Funk on albums and live shows. A Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Worrell was also unofficial member of Talking Heads, performing with them on several albums and live shows, helping to expand their pioneering sound. “Bernie transitioned Home to The Great Spirit,” Worrell’s wife Judie wrote on Facebook. “Rest in peace, my love — you definitely made the world a better place. Till we meet again, vaya con Dios.” There is an online guestbook to share memories about the musician.