The music world is mourning the loss of Sly Stone, the leader of and mastermind behind the pioneering and genre-bending funk/rock/soul band Sly and the Family Stone. Sly, born Sylvester Stewart, passed away on Monday, June 6, at the age of 82.
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According to a statement from his family, Stone died peacefully at his home after “a prolonged battle with COPD and other underlying health issues.”
Stone wrote, produced, and arranged nearly every track Sly and the Family Stone recorded, while also serving as the Bay Area band’s lead singer and keyboardist.
From 1967 through 1974, Sly and the Family Stone scored 10 Top-40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The music he created with the group was hugely influential on many artists from the worlds or rock, soul, pop, R&B, and hip hop.
Unfortunately, Stone struggled with drug and apparent mental health issues that derailed his music career. During the last several decades of his life, he only recorded and performed sporadically.
Stone was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame along with his famous band in 1993. In commemoration of Sly’s passing, and in acknowledgment of the enduring impact of his music, here are four noteworthy cover versions of songs he wrote by other well-known artists:
“I Want to Take You Higher” – Ike & Tina Turner (1970)
“I Want to Take You Higher” appeared on Sly and the Family Stone’s classic 1969 album Stand! It became a Top-40 hit for the group in 1970, peaking at No. 38 on the Billboard Hot 100. The band performed a medley that featured “I Want to Take You Higher” and “Dance to the Music” in the Oscar-winning 1970 documentary and concert film Woodstock.
Ike & Tina Turner released a cover of “I Want to Take You Higher” on their album Come Together in April 1970. The couple’s rendition of the tune is highlighted by Tina Turner’s gritty and soulful vocals. Their version actually reached a higher position on the Hot 100 than the original, ascending to No. 34.
“Everyday People” – Joan Jett & the Blackhearts (1983)
“Everyday People” was a catchy soul-pop tune that became Sly and the Family Stone’s first No. 1 hit on the Hot 100 in 1969.
Joan Jett & the Blackhearts covered “Everyday People” on their 1983 studio effort, the aptly titled Album. Jett and her band added a little punk attitude to the tune, while their take was generally faithful to the original version.
Jett & the Blackhearts’ rendition of “Everyday People” also enjoyed some chart success, reaching No. 37 on the Hot 100.
“If You Want Me to Stay” – Red Hot Chili Peppers (1985)
“If You Want Me to Stay” was a grooving funk tune that appeared on Sly and the Family Stone’s 1973 album Fresh. The song was the group’s final Top-20 hit on the Hot 100, reaching No. 12.
Red Hot Chili Peppers recorded a version of “If You Want Me to Stay” for their second album, Freaky Styley. Released in 1985, the album was produced by another funk legend, George Clinton.
Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis channels Sly’s vocal delivery on the recording, while Flea’s funky bass drives the track. Legendary James Brown saxophonist Maceo Parker and trombone player Fred Wesley also contributed to the song.
“Dance to the Music” – Billy Joel (2000)
“Dance to the Music” was Sly and the Family Stone’s first hit single, peaking at No. 8 on the Hot 100 in April 1968. The joyful, celebratory song gives various members of the group the chance to showcase their vocal and musical talents, while also imploring the listener to move and groove along to the tune.
Billy Joel performed “Dance to the Music” during his 1999 New Year’s Eve concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The show, which ushered in the new millennium, was included on Joel’s 2000 live album, 2000 Years: The Millennium Concert. The performance allowed the members of the Piano Man’s backing band to shine, with sax player Mark Rivera handling lead vocals and various other musicians in the group playing solos.
(Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
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