In the beginning of the 1970s, Sly & The Family Stone was still on top. Leader Sylvester ‘Sly Stone’ Stewart's socially unifying blend of funk, soul, gospel, blues, and psychedelic rock had altered the course of music through anthems like Dance to the Music, Everyday People, and Family Affair. Larry Graham had done the same for the electric bass guitar with his invention of slap bass.
By 1973 it seemed like an era was ending, though, with Sly's erratic behavior having already driven Graham and drummer Greg Errico from the band in late 1971. But Sly had one more gem left in him.
