Recorded - October 1968
Released - November 1, 1968
#1 for weeks of February 15 and 22 & March 1 and 8, 1969.
Musically, San Francisco during the 1960's was a buzzing hive of psychedelic rock music. However, before the city became known as the epicenter of the summer of love, it was a humble folk-influenced community. Many of these early groups such as The Mojo Men and The Great Society, were produced by a man named Sly Stewart. Although Sly had put out music of his own as early as 1964, it was not until he formed The Family Stone in 1967 that things really began to take off.
The most noteworthy aspect of Sly & The Family Stone (Besides their music and self-composed material), is that the band was racially diverse, and featured both guys and gals in the band. Just listen to the band's first single "Underdog", and you can understand lyrically just how the band saw themselves in a country still plagued by racism and sexism. Near the end of '67, they recorded their first big hit, "Dance With The Music". Combing psychedelic soul and funk music with an irresistibly catchy melody, it's one of the band's signature songs.
Sly & The Family Stone's first US #1, 1968's "Everyday People", is certainly more grounded in pop than some of their previous work. With that being said, the utopian messages that the band preached are on full display. "Everyday People", implores the audience, and the world for that matter to ignore their petty differences and just get along. On a side note, I personally find it sad that this message still needs to get through many people's heads in this world.
In addition to the topical lyrics, there is also some groundbreaking innovation in the music itself. In this case, bassist Larry Graham plays with a much heavier finger thumping style. By late 1969, he would expand on this picking style and essentially help popularize "Slap Bass". Other musical and vocal delights include the smooth brass lines, and the nice contrast between all the band members vocally as they trade lines and harmonies.
1969 would prove to be the peak year for Sly & The Family Stone. They released "Hot Fun In The Summertime" and just around this same time, they played at the Woodstock Festival. But afterwards, things rapidly changed for the group, both musically and personally. More on that, when we get to 1970...
Final Verdict - With a positive message, great vocals, and a tight music track, "Everyday People" certainly stands the test of time, and I certainly can see why it reached #1. Plus, it's got cowbell, and you can't go wrong with that!
Coming Up Next - "Dizzy" by Tommy Roe.
Until Next Time, I'm Dr. Rock, and I am an everyday person -
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