Following his success with Stand! (1969) and a memorable Woodstock performance, the demands began to pile up. Record executives demanded Sly's next big hit. Activists in the Black Panther Party demanded that he make his music "blacker" - starting with the de-integration of his band (similar pressure was also being placed on Jimi Hendrix at the time). Combined with the normal inter-band tension that constant touring and recording brings, these demands would start to wear on Sly.
By the time There's a Riot Goin' On came out in 1971, Sly Stone was a changed man. His optimistic dreams of the late 60s had deflated, and the drug problems that would characterize his later career had started to surface. Indeed, There's a Riot Goin' On is regarded by many as one of the ultimate "death of the 60s" records. I have characterized it in the past as sounding like a drug den, complete with poor lighting, scattered debris, and interjections of alternating pain and joy. Today's offering, "Love n' Haight" is the first track on the record. The album is completely worth tracking down, and is my favorite by Mr. Stone.
In addition, I am posting two videos from Sly's later period. The first is an interview with Mike Douglas in which he appears quite lucid (which is rather surprising for 1974). The second is a performance from the same television show - note that despite the years having taken their toll on him, Sly's immense talent still shines through.
Love the guy on the right.
Great song, brilliant man.
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