Sly And The Family Stone

Sly and the Family Stone formed in the late 1960s around Sylvester Stewart, who everyone called Sly Stone. The group had an unusual lineup for its time, with both men and women and Black and white musicians playing together. Their early singles like 'Dance To The Music' and 'Everyday People' became hits, mixing soul, funk, and rock in a way that felt fresh and inclusive.

Their 1969 album 'Stand!' included the title track and 'I Want to Take You Higher,' songs that captured the optimistic energy of the era. But by the early 1970s, the mood shifted. 'Family Affair' from 1971's 'There's a Riot Goin' On' had a darker, more introspective feel, with Sly Stone's vocals sounding weary and the production stripped down.

The band's later years were marked by internal tensions and Sly Stone's personal struggles. They stopped performing together regularly by the mid-1970s. What remains are those recordings from their peak years, songs like 'If You Want Me To Stay' and 'Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Again)' that still sound unlike anything else from that period.