people:
Sly Stone
(b. 1943) A multi-racial, mixed-gender band that melded Soul, Funk, Rock, and Psychedelia, Sly Stone and his group the Family Stone had their heyday in the late 1960s and early 70s, with a streak of hits combining positive messages, sing-along choruses and infectious dance grooves. Born Sylvester Stewart, Stone was raised in the San Francisco Bay area, where he got an early start in the music business, forming a Gospel group with three of his siblings. Dubbed the Stewart Four, they performed at local churches and released a 78 rpm single. A prodigious talent, he could play keyboards, guitar, bass, and drums...