He was 40ish here and looked great. The fact that he wasn't elaborately dressed gives heads-up that he was not doing well financially. This is sheer genius and I wish more people understood addiction and how it takes over. His addiction ruined him, not he himself. He is The Funk GrandMaster!!
I feel you as a young music lover, Sly and Rick James where my two idols. I was a drummer in high school and I thank God my Mother could not afford to buy me drums. I still ended up in rehab...been clean for 30 years and yes normal people don't understand addictions. Be blessed!
I’d forgotten what a great band Sly and the Family Stone was until a couple years ago. Now my 4 yr old granddaughter goes around snapping her fingers singing their songs with me❤
he doesn't forget his lyrics...ts a shorter version medley style-why are people so negative on youtube??Pauls sounds mm oh yeh -its the fn 80s!! Its still pretty good and its one of the few last decent performances from a troubled genius .So enjoy don't be negative!! Blessed love
Man, what a strong performance. He really starts feeling it about 1:30 in. Band has to be tight to improvise with him. They probably had maybe one or two chances to rehearse. Nice work by all.
This is a great version of the song. The band is tight and Sly was great. Maybe one of the best versions of the song. I feel for Sly. He had, and has a great spirit. His music is alive and important even today in this world of bullshit we live in today. He's not even a shadow of what he was, but we, his fans love him, and wish he was still able to be what he once was. We love you Sly, and wish you the best. LOVE AND PEACE.
Yes yes yes. I try to send Sly a little cosmic love every day. He is a friend to all. He also was the STAR of Woodstock. Ask anyone who was there. Only Sly pulled it off to make everyone finally feel AS ONE. Sly did that. The other acts were good but Sly was even more than musician there, he was...Everything.
Amazing!!! This man did it! Being a 60's baby, this was the backdrop to my early childhood. I loved it then. Today at 48, I have a whole new appreciation for his music. He is a musical genius to the core!
Will and Steve make one of the tightest rythym sections ever! They have that ability to make an artists song groove harder, deeper and funkier than the original versions. Check them out backing James Brown on Letterman in the early 80's, they put the "F" in FUNK!
Sly is a phenom that broke through the racial barrier pressures and helped lift and unify us with his music without being apologetic. Sly Stone: "Albino musicians could neutralize all the racial problems" It's a family affair places the focus on the family. His unique style is enough to place him on the pedestal he deserves with the greats. Today he live understated life, yet he is still a nice guy. Too bad he gave concert goers a hard time back in the day by being wasted etc from what I used to hear.
Very poignant to see Sly becoming a narcotic shadow of himself. The band are very good, and Sly performs well. However his descent had already started with the opportunties becoming less frequent, as the 80s progressed.
Still one of my most favorite song writers. This man was a genius. We were fortunate enough to actually study him in college. Its sad sometimes that being too gifted and smart can actually be a curse. When your brain is working 24-7. Your body, spirit, and soul can't keep up. He chose drugs as a release. I still praise him.
Don't underestimate the socio-political element. Imagine being a black man in America growing up in the 50,s and 60's like Sly. Imagine being hugely talented and working hard for exposure and opportunity, but also being a second class citizen, despite knowing you were smarter and more talented than everyone around you. Imgine the pressure, imagine being surrounded by drugs. he wasn't troubled - that definition that narrative conveniently side-steps context. He was fucked. He was born fucked and the context caught up with him. Despite all that he burned brightly for a moment. What a huge man.
Nathaniel Birthurth You argue more white artists died of drugs than black artists at that time, but statistically, especially in impoverished areas, African American rates of drug use were higher at this time, and one factor of that was higher rates of poverty and the issue of constantly being abused by racist people and a racist system. So I’d say Bendy’s theory, while not necessarily correct, probably holds more weight than your assertion that it’s not a political/racial issue. It’s absolutely possible that racism and 1960s era abuse of black people could have been a factor in Sly’s inner torment.
Nathaniel Birthurth I didn’t say it wasn’t correct I said it was a possibility due to the rest of the things I mentioned in my comment. I simply commented to say that your reasons for completely dismissing the possible racial factor are inadequate.
Nathaniel Birthurth So it looks to me like what you’re saying is racial troubles are (though they don’t tell the whole story) a possible reason for Sly’s issues. I guess we are in agreement here.
sad thing is, sly had this opportunity to come back while he was still in good health and had his voice (and mind) but, sadly, the drugs just couldnt be shaken off. SMH
Jay Scribe Nah, drugs literally is what created that genius, it's what puts a lot of artists in the creative mind to write and perform at the psychedelic level
Thats a misconception, and a dangerous one. Sly was a musical prodigy. He didnt start using drugs and became a genius. If thats the case all the drug rehab centers in America would be filled with geniuses. The damage drugs do to the individual and society in general is staggering.
Sly was so deep that it didn't always launch into the Tuesday right. And you know his celebrity played agin' his humility and beauty, so he got introspective at times. Here, though, he transforms into joy. And then it flies!
Wow! Paul fucking it up with a video game sounding keyboard, Sly forgetting lyrics two or three rounds in a row, and then... BOOM! The Dank Funk One pulls it out and gets the crowd going! Only a battle tested live performer can do that. Back when even Al The rev. Green was lip sinking on Soul Train, Sly was doing it live baby. He really had charisma, man.
Bro. Not arguing jus gonna show ya, go youtube look up Thank You Falettinme... and if you want me to stay. Beautiful live performances on SOOOUUUUUULLLLLL TRAIN!
AllDavidLetterman Man, took the time to post in order to "educate" me. But can't take time to say "wow jed, I was wrong, thanks for the education, man" That's what's wrong with these forums. The moment you're wrong you're gone. Everyone takes shit so personal. It's all good man. At least you got taste in music baby!
OGRagtoproy You should go to google. Type in: our 10 favorite "soul train" performances - music news. Look, in my opinion Al Green is the greatest singer I've ever heard, it takes nothing away from the man. Hell he did one S.T. live a month after his soon to be wife commited suicide. Guy was a stud!
+Andrew Hyder this was one of his last public performances, your sense is correct. sly is alive and well but left the stage for a variety of reasons 30 years ago.
It ain't the same without his band, but at least a court recently ruled in his favor that he is to get royalties from the music industry that were using his music and not paying him his due. God Bless Sylvester Stewart and may he live in good health for many more years to come.
To the detractors: IMO, this groove, by these players had to have FELT completely different there in the flesh, than the lesser impact this clip conveys. And I do love the clip. My own experience playing,recording and making live TV, reminds me that while occasionally I'm lucky enough to witness genius from performers, in front of the cameras, the guys responsible for trying to capture the performance on tape,disc or hard drive, have to collectively be just as brilliant at that same moment , in order to record the performance. Engineers can be brilliant and often they are. But at the end of the day they're still trying to "catch smoke with their hands" when recording on the fly. Even when you're ready for it, as on a live late night show, getting the levels on an improvised arrangement just right is an very rare thing. Dave's crew, the NBC guys, do it as well as any anywhere - and still,..not every moment is gold.
WOW! kool and funky, didn't expect to see it letterman, great TV. Sly was the greatest. Good steady tempo but got a little speedy towards the end.. comes from too much nervous energy from the drummer. Trust me...know.
If only we could turn back time , Love his music and Drugs destroy people. Such a shame. , Happy he is still alive today though, so many have died young. He seemed like a sweet soul.
Sly Stone was a musician and artist of the civil rights movement (hence the lyrics), as well....James Brown. Prince and Michael were the products after that era.
Sly is a phenom that broke through the racial barrier pressures and helped lift and unify us with his music without being apologetic. It's a family affair places the focus on the family. His unique style is enough to place him on the pedestal he deserves with the greats. Today he live understated life, yet he is still a nice guy. Too bad he gave concert goers a hard time back in the day by being wasted etc from what I used to hear. www.theguardian.com/music/2013/aug/29/sly-stone-albino-musicians-neutralise-racial-problems
I for one feel sorry for this most influential artist ever. SLY was energic and almost impossible to stop in his prime, this is not the "SLY" I came to love (a hoody?????)...Still! This man can Funk your every part of your body and ask for seconds!!!!
He did what he had to do, Sly didn't bring his horn section with him. Us horn guys have to get covered by keys when bands travel light. Notice how many of the family didn't make it? I just give Dave's band cred for staying in the funk with Sly as well as they did!
He was 40ish here and looked great. The fact that he wasn't elaborately dressed gives heads-up that he was not doing well financially. This is sheer genius and I wish more people understood addiction and how it takes over. His addiction ruined him, not he himself. He is The Funk GrandMaster!!
I feel you as a young music lover, Sly and Rick James where my two idols. I was a drummer in high school and I thank God my Mother could not afford to buy me drums. I still ended up in rehab...been clean for 30 years and yes normal people don't understand addictions. Be blessed!
One of the greatest songs ever produced
Absolutely 💯%.
Sure was
indeed!
We loved you then and we still love ya Sly!
The funky bass line is sooooo soothing! ✌🏽✌🏽✌🏽✌🏽
Nobody would have guessed Sly would outlive both Prince and MJ.
Merton Hayford true
Man, that’s for sure!
A living fact...
Merton Hayford cause he is happy spirit
I know! The dude didn’t just use drugs; he “invented” drugs. Yet, he’s still here. God bless him, as well as his musical genius.
One of the greatest bass lines in rock history. Thanks for posting.
I’d forgotten what a great band Sly and the Family Stone was until a couple years ago. Now my 4 yr old granddaughter goes around snapping her fingers singing their songs with me❤
Sly Stone was Prince before Prince
you mean Prince was Sly Stone after Sly Stone
That too. lol!
Jay Scribe much better than Prince
2 greats but i could never put sly above prince
Sly was a huge musical talent but his drug habit ruined both him & his reputation. Not comparable to Prince for this reason
One glorious night, Sly came out in public and showed he STILL had IT. What a gift he was. GREAT performance by Shaeffer's band as well.
This song is so deliciously funky, and Paul's band loves playing with him. This is your favorite syrup on your favorite ice cream.
he doesn't forget his lyrics...ts a shorter version medley style-why are people so negative on youtube??Pauls sounds mm oh yeh -its the fn 80s!! Its still pretty good and its one of the few last decent performances from a troubled genius .So enjoy don't be negative!! Blessed love
Man, what a strong performance. He really starts feeling it about 1:30 in. Band has to be tight to improvise with him. They probably had maybe one or two chances to rehearse. Nice work by all.
Stop hatin! Sly the shit! I love this man!!!
This is a great version of the song. The band is tight and Sly was great. Maybe one of the best versions of the song.
I feel for Sly. He had, and has a great spirit. His music is alive and important even today in this world of bullshit we live in today.
He's not even a shadow of what he was, but we, his fans love him, and wish he was still able to be what he once was. We love you Sly, and wish you the best.
LOVE AND PEACE.
Yes yes yes. I try to send Sly a little cosmic love every day. He is a friend to all. He also was the STAR of Woodstock. Ask anyone who was there. Only Sly pulled it off to make everyone finally feel AS ONE. Sly did that. The other acts were good but Sly was even more than musician there, he was...Everything.
+ElixerSue hendrix says hi
Well said, a shadow of his former self but an extremely talented artist in his day.
@@nadiromar2666 you're gonna get old , too. He gave us so much, try to be respectful and kind. Like Sly.
Not the best version. Keyboard too shrill. And where's that great bass line?
I want Sly back!
This DEFINED an era!
Amazing!!! This man did it! Being a 60's baby, this was the backdrop to my early childhood. I loved it then. Today at 48, I have a whole new appreciation for his music. He is a musical genius to the core!
WHY DO WE STILL LOVE THIS AFTER ALL THIS TIME???? BECAUSE WE LOVE U SLY........
Sly and The Family Stone always my shit cause they sang real shit.Lyrics are beautiful,meaningful plus Funk...enough said.Listen to them til I die.
I know huh ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Because the music is so good and can't be copied no matter how hard you try.
Overwhelmingly not fake.
I forever love Sly Stone. Hope you find peace Sly!
So genuine and authentic. Like the early days at the Cow Palace and Winchester Cathedral. Where have all the good sounds gone?
David's band is KILLIN' IT THEY ARE JAMMIN🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I totally agree with you
3:24 Paul telling the band to keep going, they were having way too much fun.
What a fantastic transition into Sing a simple song. Damn, Sly is so damn good
Will and Steve make one of the tightest rythym sections ever! They have that ability to make an artists song groove harder, deeper and funkier than the original versions. Check them out backing James Brown on Letterman in the early 80's, they put the "F" in FUNK!
That entire original Late Night band with Bullock was one of the best TV has ever had.
Esse é o verdadeiro funk. Música top. Sly e Stevie forever.
Sly is an amazing songwriter and stylist. His tunes are classics. Love ❤❤
Love this old song.Sly's voice was so unique ♥ If ya want me to stay number one gonna be number one!~ ♥
44 People don't have an effing clue.
This song has so much meaning... How could u get outta pocket for fun?!!!
@ ten years old growing up in the 70s this was my Jam 🎸 still a Gem 💎 in 2022 🎵
Sly is a phenom that broke through the racial barrier pressures and helped lift and unify us with his music without being apologetic. Sly Stone: "Albino musicians could neutralize all the racial problems" It's a family affair places the focus on the family. His unique style is enough to place him on the pedestal he deserves with the greats. Today he live understated life, yet he is still a nice guy. Too bad he gave concert goers a hard time back in the day by being wasted etc from what I used to hear.
Very poignant to see Sly becoming a narcotic shadow of himself. The band are very good, and Sly performs well. However his descent had already started with the opportunties becoming less frequent, as the 80s progressed.
Not to be rude but I think he was sober here. Sober or not...his music is classic
Still one of my most favorite song writers. This man was a genius. We were fortunate enough to actually study him in college. Its sad sometimes that being too gifted and smart can actually be a curse. When your brain is working 24-7. Your body, spirit, and soul can't keep up. He chose drugs as a release. I still praise him.
Percisely well put
Don't underestimate the socio-political element. Imagine being a black man in America growing up in the 50,s and 60's like Sly. Imagine being hugely talented and working hard for exposure and opportunity, but also being a second class citizen, despite knowing you were smarter and more talented than everyone around you. Imgine the pressure, imagine being surrounded by drugs. he wasn't troubled - that definition that narrative conveniently side-steps context. He was fucked. He was born fucked and the context caught up with him. Despite all that he burned brightly for a moment. What a huge man.
Nathaniel Birthurth You argue more white artists died of drugs than black artists at that time, but statistically, especially in impoverished areas, African American rates of drug use were higher at this time, and one factor of that was higher rates of poverty and the issue of constantly being abused by racist people and a racist system. So I’d say Bendy’s theory, while not necessarily correct, probably holds more weight than your assertion that it’s not a political/racial issue. It’s absolutely possible that racism and 1960s era abuse of black people could have been a factor in Sly’s inner torment.
Nathaniel Birthurth I didn’t say it wasn’t correct I said it was a possibility due to the rest of the things I mentioned in my comment. I simply commented to say that your reasons for completely dismissing the possible racial factor are inadequate.
Nathaniel Birthurth So it looks to me like what you’re saying is racial troubles are (though they don’t tell the whole story) a possible reason for Sly’s issues. I guess we are in agreement here.
Imagine how much more great music Sly would've given us if it wasn't for drugs. On a brighter note, Will Lee is killin' it on the bass.
I can’t get tired of it his song. This is a song that you have to keep on repeat.
yes but the studio version! not this mess lol
john smith Lol I feel you!
@@queen_of_domination dominate me lol
john smith 🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@johnsmith-wc7xw It’s a very good live version!
Musical Genus!
sad thing is, sly had this opportunity to come back while he was still in good health and had his voice (and mind) but, sadly, the drugs just couldnt be shaken off. SMH
So much talent destroyed by drugs
Ironically drugs are what fueled a lot of the music in the first place. It's a double edged sword
Anton Chigur
No, what fueled the music was his natural genius and creativity. Drugs got in the way of that, a false muse
Jay Scribe Nah, drugs literally is what created that genius, it's what puts a lot of artists in the creative mind to write and perform at the psychedelic level
Thats a misconception, and a dangerous one. Sly was a musical prodigy. He didnt start using drugs and became a genius. If thats the case all the drug rehab centers in America would be filled with geniuses. The damage drugs do to the individual and society in general is staggering.
Mr. Sly Stone....Funk Rock Genius !
what a work of art
Sly took out to the audience! Why? Because his heart for his music. He didn't own it. He loved it.
Because he shared his joy and his happiness...
flawless, just amazing how music was back in the day
The original genius!!!!!!!
I like more the original version with the Red Hot Chilli Peppers
Been a lot better if Paul hadn't hijacked the f***** volume
Sly was so deep that it didn't always launch into the Tuesday right. And you know his celebrity played agin' his humility and beauty, so he got introspective at times. Here, though, he transforms into joy. And then it flies!
Oh Shut. The. Fuck. Up.
I hate Paul Schaffer, but I love Paul Schaffer in this.
Wow! Paul fucking it up with a video game sounding keyboard, Sly forgetting lyrics two or three rounds in a row, and then... BOOM! The Dank Funk One pulls it out and gets the crowd going! Only a battle tested live performer can do that. Back when even Al The rev. Green was lip sinking on Soul Train, Sly was doing it live baby. He really had charisma, man.
Jed Shook fyi, everybody lip-synced on Soul Train including Sly. The only exception was James Brown.
Bro. Not arguing jus gonna show ya, go youtube look up Thank You Falettinme... and if you want me to stay. Beautiful live performances on SOOOUUUUUULLLLLL TRAIN!
AllDavidLetterman Man, took the time to post in order to "educate" me. But can't take time to say "wow jed, I was wrong, thanks for the education, man" That's what's wrong with these forums. The moment you're wrong you're gone. Everyone takes shit so personal. It's all good man. At least you got taste in music baby!
Al Green did NOT lip sing on Soul Train!! RUclips it!
OGRagtoproy You should go to google. Type in: our 10 favorite "soul train" performances - music news. Look, in my opinion Al Green is the greatest singer I've ever heard, it takes nothing away from the man. Hell he did one S.T. live a month after his soon to be wife commited suicide. Guy was a stud!
2:40 three notes on that rhodes............glooord..gooooosebumps
I’ve been playing this arrangement all day’ and I LOVE THAT MOMENT AND THAT LICK
Damn! Sound so good live...
Probably Paul and the band's most enjoyable evening ever...
This is so perfect. Makes my heart soar.
Probably my favorite song if not top 10
Oh my GOD!!! What is Shaffer doin???? It’s actually hilarious 😂 How can Sly hear himself over the racket????????
man, idk but im getting some sad vibes from sly in this video. hope alls well in his life; his music moves me.
+Andrew Hyder this was one of his last public performances, your sense is correct. sly is alive and well but left the stage for a variety of reasons 30 years ago.
That bass'er killed it!
I'll never stop loving his music. He needs to go down as "The Natural"
Sly put the funk in funk! O yeah!
I was hoping this performance would be good, and lo and behold, IT'S AWESOME!!! (at least Sly is)
Nobody would have ever guessed it.
I was 4 when this happened and I guess he was considered to be past his prime. But this sounds so good today. Timeless.
October 5th and I’m still digging this one ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️♥️
Awesome segue at 2:26
It ain't the same without his band, but at least a court recently ruled in his favor that he is to get royalties from the music industry that were using his music and not paying him his due. God Bless Sylvester Stewart and may he live in good health for many more years to come.
To the detractors: IMO, this groove, by these players had to have FELT completely different there in the flesh, than the lesser impact this clip conveys. And I do love the clip. My own experience playing,recording and making live TV, reminds me that while occasionally I'm lucky enough to witness genius from performers, in front of the cameras, the guys responsible for trying to capture the performance on tape,disc or hard drive, have to collectively be just as brilliant at that same moment , in order to record the performance. Engineers can be brilliant and often they are. But at the end of the day they're still trying to "catch smoke with their hands" when recording on the fly. Even when you're ready for it, as on a live late night show, getting the levels on an improvised arrangement just right is an very rare thing. Dave's crew, the NBC guys, do it as well as any anywhere - and still,..not every moment is gold.
I'd have SWORN Sly was already fried toast by 1983! He looks and sounds great here! BRAVO!!!
PAUL PLAYS TOO MUCH AND LOUD........ TOO FAST..........EZY SON
Da F U N K ! ! ! I Love It!!
WOW! kool and funky, didn't expect to see it letterman, great TV. Sly was the greatest. Good steady tempo but got a little speedy towards the end.. comes from too much nervous energy from the drummer. Trust me...know.
OMG. I love Sly. I cannot understand why everyone is still sitting down at 3:46.
HE WAS BETTER THAN PRINCE (AND DIDNT SHOW HIS AS )SLY IS MUCH MORE THAN THIS NEW KIDS CAN EVEN IMAGNE!!!
Prince is the best musician in the world 0(+>
If only we could turn back time , Love his music and Drugs destroy people. Such a shame. , Happy he is still alive today though, so many have died young. He seemed like a sweet soul.
Hello Kelly
How are you doing?
It's a great pleasure to have you here!
Sly Stone was a musician and artist of the civil rights movement (hence the lyrics), as well....James Brown. Prince and Michael were the products after that era.
Love the synth playing the horn lines.
At 2:26-Cue to the band that the shit is about get real in here!!! Timeless.
Sly is a phenom that broke through the racial barrier pressures and helped lift and unify us with his music without being apologetic. It's a family affair places the focus on the family. His unique style is enough to place him on the pedestal he deserves with the greats. Today he live understated life, yet he is still a nice guy. Too bad he gave concert goers a hard time back in the day by being wasted etc from what I used to hear. www.theguardian.com/music/2013/aug/29/sly-stone-albino-musicians-neutralise-racial-problems
Sly Stone. funky soul Bad #$_ s@!! !I. t 🎹
I Remember this song..Great Sly..this is one of my favs!!
If you want me to stay, then just feature Sly.
Prince saw this and ran with it..
Is that Steve Jordan on the drums?
Is that Paul rockin the organ?
Jesus, Paul!!!!! Turn it down a little!!! You’re burying the vocals.
He’s simply the GOAT- so much original talent, charisma & love just oozing from him. His music was so unifying, positive & inclusive.
Genius tier funk
I for one feel sorry for this most influential artist ever. SLY was energic and almost impossible to stop in his prime, this is not the "SLY" I came to love (a hoody?????)...Still! This man can Funk your every part of your body and ask for seconds!!!!
No competition between musicians. All music created is beautiful. Some is more equal than the other.
Enjoying this tune, big time!
Sly rocked and the band was cooking. The drummer andbassist laced the bottom, they grooved !!! Man I miss the 80's.
Look at the Jazz, Funk, and soul, rock he got it all going
Sing a Simple Song! Yah yah yah yah yah yah yah yah
He did what he had to do, Sly didn't bring his horn section with him. Us horn guys have to get covered by keys when bands travel light. Notice how many of the family didn't make it? I just give Dave's band cred for staying in the funk with Sly as well as they did!
He will outlive Prince and M. J. in more ways than one. Here he is soundi'so good on his own classics... I can forgive his lack of interview skills.
One world peace under one world groove brothers and sisters.
Goosebumps!!
Forgetting lyrics is common. This performance was outstanding!
I love him
So good
1.16 moment is the best. Love Sly.
I can't find the comment in reference to Leon Russell's song called Tightrope. I do see and hear the similarities yet differences.❤
Organ player is kicking buns
he looks so young here without all his glitter gear; such talent-