The First Family: A Glimpse into Sly and the Family Stone’s Early Days

Introduction to The First Family

The release of The First Family: Live at the Winchester Cathedral 1967 captures Sly and the Family Stone at a pivotal moment in their evolution. This dynamic soul band was on the brink of developing the innovative sound that would define them as a cornerstone of the hippie era. Their debut album, A Whole New Thing, showcased their eclectic style, which caught the attention of Epic Records amidst the vibrant Bay Area music scene of the 1960s.

A Historical Context

The Evolution of Sly and the Family Stone

While A Whole New Thing hinted at the band’s potential, it was Dance to the Music released the following year that would truly represent their artistic genius. The live recording from Winchester Cathedral, made just seven months prior to their debut album’s release, includes only one original song: the opener "I Ain’t Got Nobody (For Real)," which would later appear on Dance to the Music. The remainder of the set consists of contemporary soul covers, many of which were fresh on the charts at the time.

Archival Significance

The stakes for this release are particularly high, as it marks the first archival project following Sly Stone’s passing in June at the age of 82. Fans have revered these recordings since they began circulating in 2002, and snippets were featured in Questlove’s documentary Sly Lives! (aka the Burden of Black Genius) earlier this year. However, those anticipating a groundbreaking posthumous revelation may want to temper their expectations.

Understanding The First Family

High Moon Recordings’ Mission

To appreciate The First Family, it helps to contextualize it within the larger efforts of High Moon Recordings, which has been dedicated to unearthing high-quality rarities from the hippie era. Their catalog includes notable releases such as Love’s lost ’70s album Black Beauty. This edition of The First Family includes a beautifully designed booklet that delves into the early history of the Family Stone, making it clear that the focus of these recordings lies outside the major breakthroughs that followed their initial chart success.

The Audience Experience

At a live performance like the one captured in this release, the audience plays a crucial role. Sly himself reflects on the communal energy of performances, stating, “In church, this goes on. If you’re talking about something and people will feel it, then boom, everybody claps right on time, it’s unbelievable.” This sentiment underscores the importance of engagement between the performer and the audience, especially in an era when popular music was just beginning to gain recognition as an art form.

The Church Influence

Roots in the Church of God in Christ

The Stone family’s background in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) has significantly influenced their musical journey. COGIC, a Pentecostal denomination, has shaped the landscape of Christian music, producing notable artists like Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Andraé Crouch. Sly, along with his siblings Freddie, Rose, and Vet, grew up singing in church, establishing a strong link between their religious upbringing and their secular performances. Even during the 1960s, secular artists were often said to be “holding church” during their shows.

Conclusion

The First Family: Live at the Winchester Cathedral 1967 serves as a compelling snapshot of Sly and the Family Stone on the verge of greatness. While it may not provide a complete picture of the band’s later achievements, it offers invaluable insight into their roots and the communal spirit of their early performances. As fans reflect on this release, it becomes clear that the legacy of Sly and the Family Stone remains deeply intertwined with their origins in music, spirituality, and community engagement.

FAQs

What is The First Family: Live at the Winchester Cathedral 1967?

This is a live recording featuring Sly and the Family Stone, capturing their performance before their rise to fame. It includes one original song and several contemporary soul covers.

Why is this release significant?

It marks the first archival release following Sly Stone’s death and provides a glimpse into the band’s early days before they achieved mainstream success.

What type of music does the album feature?

The album primarily features soul music, including covers of contemporary hits from the time, emphasizing the band’s early influences and style.

How does this album relate to Sly and the Family Stone’s later work?

While it showcases their foundational sound, it precedes their most groundbreaking albums, offering context to their musical evolution.

What influence did the Church have on Sly and the Family Stone?

Growing up in a Pentecostal church environment, the Stone siblings were heavily influenced by gospel music, which shaped their performance style and musicality in their later secular careers.