By Robert Burgins, Jr.
“The correct order of letters may be better, but a reversal isn’t always worse”. Those are the words of the man, the mythical and mysterious one, Sly Stone AKA Sylvester Stewart.
In this brand-new memoir “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)” by Sly with Ben Greenman, readers are taken on a musical journey tied into a family affair. Hailing from Texas, Sly would grow up in Vallejo, California amongst a musical family, then making a name for himself in the radio world as a disc jockey and soon a music producer for local bands, before making a name for himself as frontman for the legendary Family Stone band.
Witty, smart, and straightforward, Sly tells the tales and recalls the memories that made him a fixture as well as a mystery after the highlight of an amazing musical stance. Praised as a generational event, this particular memoir is told from the one who was there, and one whom inspired many modern greats from Michael Jackson to Prince and even Kendrick Lamar, Sly is one whose career has intrigued and inspired many generations of music since his first hit record.
As a bandleader, Sly would speak notes of social commentary, tackling subjects like social injustices, brotherly love/self-love and songs of inspiration and togetherness in a hateful world. Songs such as “Life”, “Stand”, “I Want to Take You (Higher)”, “Family Affair”, “Everybody is a Star” and “Everyday People” amongst many others became a staple within the tapestry of conscious and considerate musical lyrics that helped change the traditional and standard forms and structures of music.
As acclaimed musician, band leader and Grammy winner Questlove says in the foreword, “I never thought the day would come when I would hold it in my hands”, and so is the thought of many music enthusiasts and connoisseurs who’ve waited on Sly’s return for years.
Interestingly told in his own rhythmic and genuine tongue, the genius takes readers behind the scenes, revealing the sights, the inspiration behind the themes and more, along with sharing how to make your dreams a reality.
A must-read and must have, “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Again)” will take you higher as you get a dose of life in learning how to stand in the Slyest way.
