Sly Stone one of the most important voices in the evolution of black American music, is living in near poverty according to a new documentary.
Way back in the late 60s, America was in convulsions with racial tensions at never seen before heights. Suddenly a new group emerged from San Francisco whose multi-ethnic line up attempted to party down the barriers.
Sly & The Family Stone became an overnight sensation thanks to a golden run of singles. Led by Sly Stone the band's psychedelic soul blended rock, R&B, doo wop and a whole lot more into a potent musical stew.
The group stole the show at Woodstock, performing an epic 15 minute version of their classic single 'I Wanna Take You Higher' before the rot set in. Bassist Larry Graham departed as Sly Stone's drug habit kicked in, resulting in the famously fried album 'There's A Riot Going On'.
Eventually parting ways with his record company Sly Stone's career dwindled away to nothing, with one a handful of singles to show for nearly 30 years of solo work. The reclusive star was a major influence on Michael Jackson, with the musical template for The Jackson 5 being massively influenced by Sly & The Family Stone.
A new documentary made by Dutch director Willem Alkema alleges that Sly Stone is now living in near poverty. The new film 'Coming Back For More' claims that the singer had been denied access to his royalties.
Alkema's film suggests that the soul icon signed a deal with Goldstein in the late '80s, whereby the manager acquired the rights to Stone's music and paid him a fixed wage.
Goldstein has since "turned off the tap" of wages according to the trailer due to a "debt agreement", reports The Guardian.
The film also claims that Sly Stone had begun work with Michael Jackson on a new album before the 'Thriller' icon's death in June.
'Coming Back For More' is due to be released in Autumn. ====================================================================
R&B legend Rocks the little island of Japan.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sep 04, 2008 – Sly Stone and the Family Stone – Back on the Road Again?
After forty years of anticipation in three historic sets, over as many days, Sly and the Family Stone made their first ever historic appearances on the island nation of Japan. Masterfully led by the ever gregarious Stone himself, the band comprised of no less than four of the original Rock & Roll Hall of Fame members (Sly Stone, Rose Stone, Cynthia Robinson and Jerry Martini) began the assault on August 31st when they knocked out fans at the Tokyo International forum to close out the 2008 Tokyo Jazz Festival and then later on September 2nd reappeared for two more intimate shows at the famed Tokyo Blue Note club.
It was reported by the promoters that fans of the band showed their earnest support by snatching up the thousands of tickets offered for all of the performances in a reported twenty minutes after they went on sale.
Reminiscent of the Beatle’s era, many Japanese fans were moved to tears and adulation during the bands landmark Blue Note club performances and at least one fan passed out from shear excitement and anticipation as Sly Stone himself took the stage. One fan stated that it was the culmination of “a forty year dream for Japan” and that “For many Japanese to see the legend in person is the greatest musical experience of their life”.
The impressively reworked Family Stone is creatively rounded out by the addition of Musical Director/Guitarist Tony Yates, Singer Lisa Stone (Sly’s Niece), Bassist Pete Yates, Drummer Stefon “Spider” Dubose, Keyboardist Tony Stead and Trombone player Mike Rinta
Greetings, Just got back from a five-day stay in Japan and I wanted to let you know how it went. It was a wonderful trip. We were invited to perform at two venues in Tokyo. TOKYO JAZZ 2008 at the Tokyo International Forum and at the famous Blue Note Tokyo. We left SFO International on August 28, Thursday and arrived in Tokyo Friday, August 29. Although I have been to Japan before (this time made it six times), I had forgotten how long the flight was. It was a nine-hour flight which really wasn't bad, especially since I was able to catch a couple of naps on the plane. After we arrived, the representatives from The Blue Note Tokyo, our hosts, met us at the Narita Airport and took us to the Hotel Okura...what a nice hotel...everything you need right at your fingertips. It took us about 80 minutes to get from the airport to the hotel. Since we didn't have to perform that night, we went for a walk to check out the area. Everything is sooooooo clean. We had a little break since we didn't have to perform until Sunday the 31st so I had a lot of time to rest.
The first show was at the Tokyo Jazz Festival. This was our first time performing as Sly and The Family Stone, what I mean to say is that after all these years of traveling, this was the first time we performed as a group in Japan. The welcome was absolutely fabulous! Of course they knew all the songs and greeted us like they were waiting for us; and we were pumped up;ready to play. The place was packed upstairs and down. The crowd let out a mild exuberant roar (ok I know that that was an oxymoron) as we belted out each hit song. We performed for about an hour then came back for an encore and let out some more good funky music. We had that next day, Monday, off. Got a chance to enjoy the sights and sounds of Tokyo. Then we went off to the next venue which was The Blue Note.
At both shows there, the response was the same. We were warmly welcomed again. In fact, everywhere we went was the same. We came home Wednesday, September 3. Overall, the trip was totally a blessing! Great. I'll keep you posted on other exciting things!
Hi there, Thank you for your response. Always feel free to ask. I wasn't trying to leave anything out. Apparently I didn't give you enough information about my recent trip to Tokyo, Japan, as several of you asked for more details; like;;Who went;? Sly, keyboards and vocals; I was keyboards and vocals; Lisa Stone (my daughter) vocals; Cynthia Robinson, trumpet and vocals;Jerry Martini, saxophone; Mike Rinta, trombone; Tony Stead, keyboards; Stefon "Spider" DuBose, drums; Pete Yates, bass; and, Tony Yates, Musical Director and guitarist. The group performed with excellence. Sly was great and the show was a success. The next show coming up will be in northern California. I will post the details as soon as they are available. Freddie is planning for a show in southern California before year end. In the meantime we are all working on our individual projects. I will keep you informed of upcoming events. Thanks
