Sly and the Family Stone have returned to public consciousness thanks to Questlove’s powerful documentary, SLY LIVES! (a.k.a The Burden of Black Genius). The film, which I reviewed for The Boston Globe, captures both the brilliance and the tragedy of Sylvester Stewart, known to the world as Sly Stone. Alongside Robert Daniels’ review, we awarded it ***1/2 stars.
Unlike Summer of Soul, which also featured the band and its visionary leader, Questlove’s latest film is a more introspective and somber reflection. It honors Sly Stone’s groundbreaking achievements while honestly portraying the fall of the band he founded.
Without Sly Stone, the musical world would be drastically different. His influence is embedded in artists like Prince—who, like Stone, wrote his own music and mastered multiple instruments. His sounds laid the foundation for iconic tracks like LL Cool J’s “Mama Said Knock You Out” and Janet Jackson’s “Rhythm Nation.” Even the unforgettable bassline in “If You Want Me To Stay,” later used in the Hughes Brothers’ Dead Presidents, might never have existed.
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Sly Stone’s presence made the world—and especially the American cookout—a far richer place. Fortunately, he was here long enough to gift us with music that continues to inspire.
Born in Denton, Texas on March 15, 1943, and raised in the North Bay area of San Francisco, Sly was a prodigious musician from an early age. He mastered the piano, guitar, bass, and drums—skills he would channel into forming Sly and the Family Stone in 1966.
The band was revolutionary not only for its music but also for its composition: racially integrated and gender-inclusive. It featured Sly’s siblings, Freddie and Rose, as well as Cynthia Robinson on trumpet, Larry Graham on bass, Jerry Martini on saxophone, and Greg Errico on drums. Their breakout hit, 1968’s “Dance to the Music,” was a bold and inclusive call to celebration.
Hits like “Everyday People,” an anthem for racial harmony, and “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin),” with its unforgettable bassline and daring lyricism, followed soon after. Their 1969 album Stand included fan favorites like “I Want to Take You Higher” and “Sing a Simple Song,” as well as the empowering title track, which calls listeners to live with purpose and conviction.
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But Stone didn’t shy away from the darker realities of life. His 1971 album There’s a Riot Goin’ On offered a bleaker vision of America, one reflected visually in its flag-inspired album cover and sonically in its subdued grooves.
Though the original lineup disbanded in 1975, the band continued releasing music until 1983. Sly Stone then vanished from the spotlight, becoming something of an enigma. His brief yet unforgettable appearances—such as during the 1993 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction and a surprise showing at the Grammys—reminded audiences of his genius.
In 2023, Stone released his memoir, Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin), with a foreword by Questlove. The memoir explores his challenges—drug addiction, domestic strife, and homelessness—with honesty and reflection.
But the personal legacy of Sly Stone runs deeper. For many, his music wasn’t just revolutionary—it was personal. I remember being a lonely child moved to tears by the lyric from “Everybody Is a Star”:
“I love you for who you are, not the one you feel you need to be.”
Even today, that line resonates.
The burden of Black genius is to uplift others while carrying a heavy weight. Sly Stone bore that weight with profound musical brilliance. His message remains clear and enduring. As we reflect on his passing on June 9, 2025—just two days after what would have been Prince’s 67th birthday—we remember not only what he created, but who he helped us become.
May he now be jamming with Prince, two stars lighting up the sky of Black musical legacy.
