Legacy Recordings

Like a sing-along balm, “Everyday People” eased a country torn by war and reeling from the death of the dream. Musical adventurer Sylvester Stewart traded his home in the deep South for a hipper name and a taste of San Francisco sunshine. Sly’s integrated band stormed the gates of Motown, Stax and Muscle Shoals, rocking soul giants off their throaty thrones with a fusion of psychedelia, electric funk and sanctified R&B. Playing to Woodstock and nursery school kids, “Everyday People” ushered in an era of message music, full-blown Afros and a platform of racial and gender equality that stood four inches high. There was no place to go but higher.

(S. Stewart); Produced and arranged by Sly Stone; Sly Stone, lead vocal, guitar, keyboards; Freddie Stone, guitar, vocal; Rose Stone, piano; Gregg Errico, drums; Jerry Martini, saxophone; Cynthia Robinson, trumpet; Larry Graham, bass, vocal; Rec. Los Angeles and New York, 1968-1969. From Stand!, Epic 26456; Originally Released 1969

Everyday People (Single Version) by Sly & the Family Stone