Sly & The Family Stone - A Family Affair

"Family Affair" was a 1971 number-one hit single recorded by Sly & the Family Stone for the Epic Records label. It became the fourth and final number-one pop hit for the band. Rolling Stone magazine later ranked the song #138 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

More details (from Wikipedia):

Released on November 6, 1971,[1] "Family Affair" was markedly different from the earlier Sly & the Family Stone hits. "Family Affair" is a somber, Hohner Pianet electric piano based record with a rhythm box (or drum machine) providing the rhythm, making it the first number-one hit to feature a programmed rhythm track. Sly Stone and his sister Rose sing lead on the song. The lyrics reflect the good and bad aspects of being family, with Sly delivering his part in a low funk-styled tone instead of his earlier gospel-based shout.

"Family Affair" was the most successful hit of Sly & the Family Stone's career, peaking at number-one on the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks, while achieving the same on the Billboard R&B Singles chart for five weeks.[2]. The band's long-awaited fifth album, There's a Riot Goin' On, debuted at number one on the Billboard album charts during the same period. There's a Riot Goin' On was typified by a deep, dark style of funk, evident in "Family Affair", that earned the album a place as one of the most influential albums of all time.

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[sontee8]

Sly was such a genius, his music had innovations unknown before. As a child you probably loved the wah wah of the guitar; I loved the electric piano/organ; against Sly's sexy hoarse sing/talk vocals - you know he was rappin. I think this song was intensely personal for Sly.

[U.N. Owen]

When this was originally out, I was a kid, and I'd go to sleep listening to the radio.

Whenever this song came on, I liked it - BUT… something about it 'scared' me.

Remember, I was a kid, so, concepts - even simple ones - like it being darker, or knowing WHO Sly & The Family Stone were, and their previous hits I didn't understand.

The years have wizened me, and the power of this song has increased.

I only wish Sly would share more of his work with us.

[Mike Lonewolf]

One of my all time favs..wore this 45 out on our new Pioneer Hi-Fi, AM-FM stereo & record player...those were the days.

[Mindermaniac]

Everyday People is the most successful hit for Sly and the FS. #1 for 4 weeks on the Billboard Charts , Jan 4, 1969....

[jkilthau]

What strikes me about this song is not the sweet funk but the insightful lyrics. Such a very sad song shedding light on inter-family pain that most of us go through. Brilliant!

[susan burrows]

A sly family!

[CJ Laity]

the best funk band EVA



[ibothefanboy]

listening to this on acid >>>>>>>>>>>>

[kumarlosthistouch]

this song puts a smile on my face. Raw talent and great songwriting.

[NigeThePython]

just a shame that the recording quality back then was absolutly appauling, enough to destroy a decent stereo system, epic epic track though that being said, even though i find the lyrics a bit erm nasty lol, but the singing and beats are just epic, some serious harmony going on and his scream at the end just puts the seal on it! brilliant track :)

[sontee8]

You are correct; Prnce, Stevie Wonder and other great artists were influenced by Sly/ Sly was lightyears ahead of his time with his approach to music/ No one compares.

[Michael Rowe]

''Right on Bro''