Sly Stone and the Gospel of Funk

This chapter examines Sly Stone as an organic intellectual, that is, a poet-songwriter, imaginative thinker, and visionary artist whose band, Sly and the Family Stone, played a foundational role in creating funk music and the broader cultural aesthetic that exemplified funk. In this regard, the chapter demonstrates how Stone’s approach to music-making, which was largely determined by his extensive background in gospel, played a vital role in his construction of funk. Combining gospel, blues, jazz, and rock, the Family Stone created a new sound that not only fascinated listeners of rock and rhythm and blues but such acclaimed musicians as Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock as well. In addition, the chapter provides biographical information that contextualizes the artists’ development and illuminates the band’s aesthetic. Finally, the chapter provides key information on groundbreaking bass player Larry Graham and trumpeter Cynthia Robinson as well as detailed commentary on momentous recordings and live performances.