On May 3, 1969, Sly and the Family Stone released their fourth–and seminal–album, Stand! A start-to-finish classic worth celebrating here, if for no other reason than to include “I Want to Take You Higher” on my G.O.A.T. list.
THE GREATEST OF ALL TUNES (G.O.A.T.) is a series of posts, ranking my favorite songs of all time. The master list is here, and I update it about every two weeks or when I have another 10 songs or so.
But that wasn’t the only great song on Stand!, and neither was it the only great song by this tremendously talented band who, by the way, put on the best show at Woodstock.
Hit “more!” for a whole lotta covers of this band’s classic tunes.
Let’s start with the medley “Sly Suite” by Merry Clayton, better known as the back-up singer on The Rolling Stones’ Gimme Shelter.
Dance to the Music by Tesco-Vee…
…And by Billy Joel, who is probably the pop music antithesis of Sly Stone, emphasizing complex lyrics and soft, romantic content…
And finally, also by John Legend.
Don’t Call Me Nigger Whitey by Ice-T and Jane’s Addiction.
Also by Gene Harris.
…and Spongehead.
Everybody Is a Star by Madonna
And by Fishbone.
and Joan Osborne.
Every Day People by Prince!
And Joan Jett.
And Jeff Buckley.
Family Affair by Shinehead.
and Iggy Pop.
And Steve Windwood
Hot Fun in the Summertime by Sharon Jones live at Daryl’s House.
Sing a Simple Song by The Meters.
and The Commodores.
Stand! by Melissa Manchester.
Thank You (Falletinme Be Mice Elf Again) by George Clinton
and Soundgarden
and Seal.
And Prince!
And here’s another medley to close us out…
