Who gave Silk Sonic its name?

Bootsy Collins gave Silk Sonic its name.

Silk Sonic is the duo of Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak, but the name came from funk bassist and singer Bootsy Collins. Collins was not merely a distant influence: he was involved with the album as its special guest host and appears on “After Last Night,” alongside Thundercat. His connection gave the project an especially strong link to the funk tradition it was celebrating.

The name fits the duo’s musical concept. Their songs draw on the smooth vocals, prominent bass, lush arrangements, and show-business presentation associated with 1970s and early-1980s soul and funk. George Clinton is a related influence through Parliament-Funkadelic, but he did not name the group. Nile Rodgers and Quincy Jones were also influential figures in the broader style, not the source of the group’s name.

Silk Sonic’s debut single, “Leave the Door Open,” arrived in 2021, followed by An Evening with Silk Sonic later that year.