Dance To The MusicSly & The Family Stone1rank/position

Sly & The Family Stone – Dance To The Music (Audio)

Sly & The Family Stone were pioneers who paved the way for Black artists to break into rock.

“Dance to the Music” was their first hit, reaching No.

8 on the Billboard chart.

Despite their huge success, it’s a shame they disbanded due to conflicts between Sly Stone and the other members.

I Want to Take You HigherSly & The Family Stone2rank/position

Sly & The Family Stone – I Want to Take You Higher (Official Audio)

This is a song by Sly Stone, a 1960s star like James Brown.

At Woodstock in ’69, performing this track catapulted him to stardom.

It’s a supreme uptempo funk number where funk, rock, and pop are all fused together.

Incidentally, Larry Graham, a member of this band, developed the slap (chopper) bass technique.

Stand!Sly & The Family Stone3rank/position

Sly & The Family Stone “Stand!” LIVE on U.S. TV 7/74

The title track from the flagship album “Stand!” by the funk-rock band led by keyboardist Sly Stone, known for his eye-catching giant Afro.

Amid the surge of the civil rights movement across America, its powerful call to “stand up!” protested widespread prejudice—rock to the core—while the lavish band sound and surging groove are pure funk.

It’s a rare track where the fervor only the ’60s could produce coexists with the sheer joy of listening to music.

Family AffairSly & The Family Stone4rank/position

Sly & The Family Stone – Family Affair (Official Audio)

Released in 1971, Sly & The Family Stone’s “Family Affair” is a smoky funk number! Including this track, the songs composed during that period were completed by the bandleader Sly Stone himself on drum machine and bass due to deteriorating relationships among the members.

The vocal interplay between Sly Stone and his younger sister Rose Stone makes it a track that really brings “family affairs” to mind.

Sing a Simple SongSly & The Family Stone5rank/position

Sly & The Family Stone – Sing a Simple Song (Official Audio)

A classic soul masterpiece.

Sly & The Family Stone—this track, later famed for its drum breaks—falls under funk and rare groove.

Many of you have probably heard it somewhere before, right? From American funk, pop, and soul to R&B and hip-hop, it influenced and helped shape a wide range of music.

It’s often said that there’s music from before their sound was born, and music from after—spoken of as a definitive turning point.

Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)Sly & The Family Stone6rank/position

Sly & The Family Stone Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) HQ Audio

Sly & the Family Stone, led by the maverick frontman Sly Stone with his powerful charisma and talent, were a groundbreaking group for their time, featuring a mixed-gender lineup with both Black and white members.

They influenced not only soul but also many other genres, including rock.

They released their debut album, A Whole New Thing, in 1967, and achieved a major breakthrough with their second album, Dance to the Music, in 1968.

Their third album, Stand!, released the following year in 1969, became a massive hit, selling over three million copies and is considered one of the group’s signature works.

They are known for their distinctive grooves, strongly message-driven lyrics, and stylistic versatility.

If you’re into funk or soul, be sure to check them out.

Hot Fun in the SummertimeSly & The Family Stone7rank/position

Sly & The Family Stone – Hot Fun in the Summertime (Official Audio)

A funky tune with a positive, lighthearted rhythm that makes you want to go for a pleasant summer drive! This song was released in 1969 by the American band Sly & The Family Stone, and it became widely known alongside their performance at that year’s legendary rock festival, Woodstock.

The lyrics capture fun summer vacation memories and notably reflect the free-spirited nature of youth.

It’s a classic that also conveys the social backdrop of America at the time—when the civil rights movement was gaining momentum—and carries a message of equality.

Included on the 1970 best-of album “Greatest Hits,” it remains an enduring track loved by many to this day.