Sly and the Family Stone

[Simon T]

I found this a decent read, probably nothing new to SATFS aficionados

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/oct/06/i-never-lived-a-life-i-didnt-want-to-live-sly-stone-on-addiction-ageing-and-changing-music-for-ever?utm_source=pocket-newtab-en-gb

[Roburt]

The trouble is that though Sly doesn't really regret being a drug addict, it had a bad effect on his music & his later career (as it did with most addicts).

His creativity dropped off after 1974 & his unpredictability led to lots of missed / cancelled live shows. The Family Stone members got fed up with him & quit. He had to take guys on who could take up the slack & help him out a lot (Rudy Love & Keni Burke being two). He lost overseas gigs as he was caught with drugs at customs & even when old friends such as Bobby Womack added him as a support act, he still got caught with drugs & was refused entry into countries such as the UK.

He lost many friends, all his support team & all his money,  ending up living in an old van (it didn't help that his hits came in the period when record companies ripped off many acts).

A sad tale really.  

[Clee93]

Here is another article that came out 3 days ago related to the release of the documentary & an image of the cover of his memoir which was released yesterday along with a review from the Guardian.

CBS Article: 
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/sly-stone-memoir-sly-and-the-family-stone/

Guardian review:

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/oct/09/thank-you-falettinme-be-mice-elf-agin-by-sly-stone-review-euphoric-expression-and-drug-crazed-chaos


 

Edited October 11, 2023 by Clee93

[Roburt]

When "Dance To The Music" came out here it was massive in UK soul clubs, right from the off on Columbia in March 68. 

Edited October 11, 2023 by Roburt

[Tobytyke]

I never heard it until it came out on the direction label a bit later.

Got a surprise when I eventually got the Columbia version how different the two mixes are.

[Tlscapital]

Two different mixes on USA Epic releases also. The first one is credited 2:38 for timing the second one 2:57.

The later or second mix was used for the UK Direction release in June 1968. The Columbia dates March 1968.

The second mix has no reverb and is all "packed" or muffled if you will for more 'Oomph' discotheque like effect.

[Simon T]

Listening to BBC World Service this afternoon and caught something about Sly. Repeated just after six today

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3ct4qxk

Apparently touring in 2024 with a date in UK in the summer

https://www.thecambridgeclub.co/lineup-2024

One (Family) Stone best uplifted?

[Roburt]

Sly was a top DJ for some years in the 60's on two SanFran black music radio stns ...

Edited December 27, 2023 by Roburt

[Roburt]

Just 59c for every 45 ... @ 8417 East 4th St Oakland ... 

 

Edited December 27, 2023 by Roburt

[Woodbutcher]

15 hours ago, Simon T said:

Listening to BBC World Service this afternoon and caught something about Sly. Repeated just after six today

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3ct4qxk

Apparently touring in 2024 with a date in UK in the summer

https://www.thecambridgeclub.co/lineup-2024

One (Family) Stone best uplifted?

No Sly involvment though these days ... https://thefamilystoneband.com/the-family/

[Thinksmart]

He has just put out an autobiography with some related interviews online.

[Thinksmart]

Of relevance to reading this thread, the Ace label put out two pre Family Stone CDs 'Precious Stone' and 'Listen to the Voices' of Sly's songwriting and production work that are still available. The earlier 'LA Happening' release on their Kent label is essential of course.