Woodstock’s most memorable performance: ‘No one was more thrilling than them’
Woodstock in 1969 is often remembered as a historic rock concert that celebrated peace, love, and music. However, amidst the lineup of big names and future legends like Jimi Hendrix, Santana, Joe Cocker, Jefferson Airplane, and the Grateful Dead, Sly and the Family Stone managed to steal the show with their unique blend of funk, R&B, and psychedelic soul.
The band, led by Sly Stone, was best known for hits like “Dance to the Music,” “Everyday People,” “Family Affair,” “Stand!” and “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin).” Despite their significant contributions to music, Sly and the Family Stone often find themselves overlooked in Woodstock history. But for the more than 400,000 people who were actually present at the festival on Max Yasgur’s farm in Bethel, New York, Sly and the Family Stone left a lasting impression with their performance at 3:30 a.m. on Sunday morning.
While reminiscing about their favorite performers at Woodstock for the festival’s 50th anniversary in 2019, attendees unanimously spoke highly of Sly and the Family Stone. “They were so dynamic and brought everybody to their feet,” said John Villanueva, a roadie for Santana who was on stage during the performance. “That band was the hottest thing happening… no one performed like they did. No one was as exciting as them.” The energy and charisma exuded by Sly Stone and his bandmates had the crowd captivated and energized, making their set one of the most memorable moments of Woodstock.
Sly and the Family Stone’s influence extended beyond Woodstock, inspiring artists across various genres. Their fusion of funk, rock, and soul with a diverse lineup of Black and white members left a lasting mark on the music industry. Artists like Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, The Jackson Five, The Temptations, George Clinton, Rick James, and Prince drew inspiration from Sly and the Family Stone’s boundary-breaking sound.
Despite their initial success, Sly Stone faced personal challenges, including drug abuse and erratic behavior in the late ‘70s, leading to the eventual breakup of the group. Stone’s legacy, however, lives on through his innovative contributions to music. Sly and the Family Stone were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 and honored at the Grammy Awards in 2006.
As fans and music lovers remember Sly Stone and his iconic band, it is evident that their impact on the music world transcends Woodstock and continues to influence musicians and audiences alike. Sly and the Family Stone’s legacy serves as a testament to their talent, innovation, and lasting appeal in the realm of music history.