Woodstock’s standout performance: They were the most exciting
back up and all those hundreds of thousands of people were live and enjoying themselves again,” Dave Tiedemann told syracuse.com | The Post-Standard in 2019. He noted that even though attendees were fatigued, Sly and the Family Stone revitalized the crowd with their dynamic set.
Molly McCoy shared her experience of dancing to Sly and the Family Stone, highlighting how their performance brought everyone to their feet. Bandleader and vocalist Sly Stone, in particular, left a lasting impression on the audience. John Villanueva, a roadie for Santana who witnessed the concert from the stage, expressed that Sly and the Family Stone’s performance was unmatched in excitement and energy. According to Villanueva, “They were a real show band. Not only that, but they had the tunes to back all that up.”
Following their Woodstock performance, Sly and the Family Stone experienced a surge in popularity, building on the success of their hits like “Dance to the Music” and “Everyday People.” Their blend of genres and diverse lineup of Black and white artists served as an inspiration for a multitude of musicians across different genres, including legends like Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock, Motown icons such as The Jackson Five and The Temptations, as well as funk legends like George Clinton, Rick James, and Prince. Furthermore, their music has been sampled in numerous hip-hop and EDM tracks, showcasing their lasting influence on modern music.
Questlove, drummer for The Roots and director of the documentary “Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius),” offered insights into Sly Stone’s exceptional style and charisma. In the foreword to Stone’s memoir, Questlove described him as someone who stood out effortlessly and exuded an unparalleled coolness that set him apart from his surroundings. Stone’s impact on the industry and his unique aesthetic left a lasting legacy that continues to influence musicians and audiences to this day.
Despite his later struggles with substance abuse and erratic behavior, Sly Stone’s contributions to music were recognized with inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 and a tribute at the Grammy Awards in 2006. Stone’s passing at the age of 82 was the conclusion of a remarkable career that left an indelible mark on the music world. His survivors include three children, ensuring that his musical legacy lives on for future generations to enjoy and appreciate.