Sly and the Family Stone:
Shaping Funk's Awesome Sound

In the vast array of 70s funk, I would say that few bands sparkle as brightly and inventively as Sly and the Family Stone! A multiracial and gender-mixed group 👊 A powerhouse blending soul, rock, and psychedelic influences to create an infectious and danceable groove 🎼 

Headed by singer, songwriter, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist Sly Stone and containing several of his family members and friends, the band bursts onto the scene in 1967, bringing with them a sound that is to redefine the possibilities of funk music. Sly Stone (nee Sylvester Stewart) is a symbol of the free-spirited and boundary-pushing ethos of the 70s.

The early 70s are especially when his impact on the funk genre contributes to the overall funkadelic atmosphere of the era. He is a cultural icon, in addition to being a musical trailblazer, and he serves as a role model and inspiration for a diverse range of artists (i.e., Miles Davis admires his ability to fuse genres and push the boundaries of musical expression; Herbie Hancock acknowledges SS’s influence on his journey into funk with "Head Hunters"; Prince draws inspiration from SS’s genre-blending approach and fearlessness in pushing musical boundaries; there is also a mutual influence between SS and George Clinton's Parliament-Funkadelic collective; both often cross paths as they both push the boundaries of funk and so on).

Sly and the Family Stone break barriers of race and gender, bringing an androgynous and sexy stage presence to funk. Female members Cynthia Robinson and Rosie Stone play instruments onstage, rather than just providing vocals or serving as visual accompaniment for the male members. Cynthia Robinson is one of the first female trumpet players in a major American band!

Band members also stand out with their androgynous fashion sense and pull on flamboyant outfits that blur gender norms, setting the stage for a more inclusive and daring style. Their fearless fashion choices become inspiration for a new wave of funk fashionistas.

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This is from David Kamp's Vanity Fair article (2007):​

So when Sly decided to start up a band of his own, he knew exactly what he wanted. "It was very deliberate: men and women, different races, dressing different," says Larry Graham, the group's bassist. (Jerry) Martini, the saxophonist, recalls Stone playing an almost curatorial role in shaping the band's presentation:
Everyone had a signature look. (Greg) Errico wore a leopard-print vest-and-trousers getup almost as absurd as Martini's bovine fantasia. Graham wore robes and capes. Freddy Stewart, re-christened Freddie Stone, wore appliquéd overalls. Rose Stewart/Stone wore a variety of Ikette wigs and go-go dresses. Cynthia Robinson, the trumpet player, favored psychedelic-patterned smocks and let her straightened hair grow out into a Black Power Afro. Sly himself cultivated a neon pimp look, with flashy vests (often worn without a shirt), goggle shades, heavy jewelry, tight trousers, and muttonchop sideburns.
 

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While "Stand!" is a pivotal album that showcases Sly Stone's ability to blend various musical genres (elements of funk, soul, rock, and psychedelia) seamlessly, it was released in 1969! So, delving into the 70s, my focus decade, we have a landmark album by Sly and the Family Stone, released in 1971: "There's a Riot Goin' On."

This album is experimental and innovative, with a significant departure from the earlier, more upbeat sound. It is darker, more inward-looking, made up of unconventional recording techniques such as the newly developed drum machine, and has a unique sound. There is also a “significant amount of tape hiss—the result of Sly's extensive re-recording and overdubbing during production”.
In addition to the original band members, Ike Turner and Bobby Womack play guitars on this album.

Regarded as one of the defining records of the funk genre, the album plays a pivotal role in shaping the evolution of funk music. With slower tempos and an emphasis on rhythm (over melody), it influences the direction of funk and lays the groundwork for later sub-genres such as P-Funk.

"Family Affair" is probably the most well-known track from the album. It has a smooth and easy-going feel, combined with the said use of a drum machine, which is very distinctive. My first runner-up from the album would be "Brave & Strong" which features a funky groove very characteristic of Sly Stone—some soulful melody with danceable rhythms.

And there comes “Spaced Cowboy”! When one reads reviews for "Spaced Cowboy", it is basically about “distorted vocals, unconventional song structures, and a dreamy, psychedelic atmosphere." Psychedelic indeed, but isn’t everything about the album a bit psychedelic—the whole album being an experimental journey at the end?

Critics and music people might have their say, but I've got a soft spot for "Spaced Cowboy." And I get it—the yodeling's a bit much, but there's something about this song that just does it for me. Every time I listen to it, it's like I'm taken back to the good old days of my childhood: late Sunday morning, my parents preparing breakfast. And soon my dad will appear at my bedroom door, giving me the classic "All is ready" look. The TV will be on and tuned into our sacred "Sunday Morning Western Time." “Spaced Cowboy” is not just a song for me; it's a time machine to those simple moments when life was easy, breakfast was a feast, and Sundays were family fun. 🎶💖

Gülben - 03/2024

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📌Official site

📖 There’s A Riot Going On by Miles Marshall Lewis (Bloomsbury “33 1/3” series, 2006)

🎥 Summer of Soul - a 2021 documentary film by Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson called Summer of Soul

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🎶 Genre: Funk

For other Funk content on site: CLASSIC GROOVE FUNK

For all archive: FUNK ARCHIVE

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