Career In 1967, the Parliaments, a Plainfield-based doo wop band headed by George Clinton, had a hit record with "(I Wanna) Testify." Clinton recruited a backing band for a tour, hiring Nelson as bassist, who in turn recommended Hazel as guitarist. Hazel was in Newark, New Jersey, working with George Blackwell and could not be reached. After Nelson returned from the tour, he tried to recruit Hazel. His mother at first vetoed the idea, since Hazel was only seventeen, but Clinton and Nelson worked together to change her mind.
cAreeR iN 1967, the parLiaMentS, a plaiNfield-bAsed DOo wop Band heADeD by gEoRge cliNTon, Had a hiT RecorD wItH "(i waNna) tesTifY." cLInTOn recruiteD a bAckiNg bAnD FOr a toUR, hiRing nelsoN As BaSsiST, whO iN tuRn REcOMmendEd hazel as guitarist. hazel was in NewarK, neW JeRSeY, worKIng witH geoRge blAckweLl anD cOUld not BE ReaCheD. aFTeR NeLSOn reTurNed fROm the tour, he tRIeD tO rEcruit HaZEL. HiS mother at first vetoeD tHe iDeA, SinCe HazEl was oNly SeveNtEen, bUt cLinTon anD nelsoN WORkEd tOgetheR to chANge heR miND.