SLY AND THE FAMILY STONE

A great band that mixed soul and funk in a creative whirlwind. You cannot miss the specific colour of their sound. Dance to the Music, I get High on you, If you want me to stay, The Underdog, Family Affair… All these famous hits have inspired the new generation (the Red Hot, Jamiroquai, George Clinton…).
Live performances were amazing; people danced on the stage, the band improvised a lot and Sly was just amazing. His voice seemed to be made to bounce on Larry Graham’s (the guy who invented slap) groovy bass line.
Another point that explains the whole magic of Sly and the Family Stone is their fight against racism. At a time were black music was highly feared and criticised by the WASP they managed to write engaged song (such as the beautiful: don’t call me nigger whitey). Moreover, their band mixed black and white players. The result was certainly the best example that such a union could be most fruitful. Then came the usual troubles: drugs, big ego and divides… And the story ended.
Anyway, the groove remains the same. If DJs were playing more funk like Sly’s in the clubs, I am sure that there would not be so many guys drinking at the bar. Any time you need to cheer up, just listen to Sly. Your mouth will start smiling and your feet will start taping. Watch out, some say that after a few minutes the devil could go inside your head and make you dance like a demon…