Music You Should Know: Sly Stone

Sly Stone is an artist you should already be familiar with. As the leader of Sly and the Family Stone, he fused rock, soul, and pop to capture the public imagination and was a prime example of black music’s increasing sophistication.

His commercial peak was between 1968 and 1973, when he recorded classics such as “Hot Fun In The Summertime,” “I Want To Take You Higher,” “Stand!,” and “Family Affair.” 1969’s Stand! is considered by many to be the first funk album. His influence is still evident in artists ranging from Prince to the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

By the late 1970s, his star had faded due to changing musical tastes and personal problems. In 1979, his record label released Ten Years Too Soon as a way to complete its contractual relationship with Stone. It consisted of new versions of Sly classics that were remixed by John Luongo.

The album was universally panned upon its release, but hindsight suggests that it was indeed ten years too soon. By the late 1980s, artists like Bobby Brown, Chaka Khan, and Jody Watley were releasing remix albums and they are now an accepted part of the musical landscape.

Here are two cuts from Ten Years Too Soon for your enjoyment. As a musical and historical milestone, this record deserves to be reissued!

“High On You” (originally recorded 1975)

“Dance To The Music” (originally recorded 1968)