Sly Stone makes surprise appearance at Red Bank show

by JAY LUSTIG
Sly Stone, left, made a surprise appearance with The Family Stone at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank on Sunday.

COURTESY OF COUNT BASIE THEATRE

Sly Stone, left, made a surprise appearance with The Family Stone at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank on Sunday.

Fans of the classic funk group Sly & the Family Stone got a nice surprise at the ’70s Rock & Funk Fest at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, Sunday. The Family Stone headlined the show, which also featured Rick Derringer, Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels and Badfinger. But Sly Stone himself, who is 72 and has made few public appearances over the last few decades, made it a family affair by joining them on the song, “If You Want Me to Stay,” singing and playing keyboards. Check out the footage below.

The band’s current lineup includes original members Cynthia Robinson, on trumpet, Jerry Martini, on saxophone, and Greg Errico, on drums, in addition to Stone’s daughter, Phunne Stone, on vocals and keyboards.

Sly & The Family Stone had an incredible run of hits in the late ’60s and early ’70s, including “Dance to the Music,” “Hot Fun in the Summertime,” “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin),” “Everyday People” and “Family Affair,” but Sly Stone (born Sylvester Stewart) has had only sporadic involvement in the group since the mid-1970s.

CONTRIBUTE TO NJARTS.NET

Since launching in September 2014, NJArts.net, a 501(c)(3) organization, has become one of the most important media outlets for the Garden State arts scene. And it has always offered its content without a subscription fee, or a paywall. Its continued existence depends on support from members of that scene, and the state’s arts lovers. Please consider making a contribution of any amount to NJArts.net via PayPal, or by sending a check made out to NJArts.net to 11 Skytop Terrace, Montclair, NJ 07043.

$

Custom Amount

Personal Info

Donation Total: $20.00

Leave a Comment

Explore more articles:

Sign up for our Newsletter