Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are still facing a serious situation but a new year gives us hope for the new days, seasons, opportunities & moments ahead. Still, music is something that will never change for me. It is my refuge, the most comforting part of my life & the one thing I consistently count on. So until a more normal semblance of life returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

Today we celebrate another birthday from the musical calendar, this one belonging to the man who helped define the sound of funk in the late 1960’s & early 1970’s. Sylvester Stewart, a/k/a Sly Stone, front man for the group Sly & The Family Stone, was born 78 years ago on March 15, 1943. in Texas. He got his start in gospel music performing at church with his siblings & future band mates, Freddie, Rose & Vaetta,

But Sly was the prodigy, mastering several instruments including the guitar & keyboards by the age of 11. He played in a few bands in high school and after graduating he worked as a radio disc jockey in California. He met Cynthia Robinson through a band in 1966 & she helped him form Sly & The Family Stone soon after. By 1967 they had their first hit, “Dance To The Music” and they were on their way.

Sadly Stone’s erratic behavior, his & other members drug use & failure to show up at performances led to the group’s demise in 1975. Many members went on to modest solo careers, including innovative bassist Larry Graham who had a hit in 1980 with “One In A Million You”. Several members of the group also worked with other artists as well. But none of them could recreate the lightening in a bottle that was The Family Stone, led by the master of funk himself. Happy birthday Sly Stone.

“Got to get in straight,
How could I ever be late,
When you’re my woman taking up my time“.

Sly Stone circa 1972. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Sly & The Family Stone: “If You Want Me to Stay” (1973, written by Sylvester “Sly Stone” Stewart).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.