Aired on Treasure Island Oldies – Sep 08, 2024

In the mid-60s you could listen to a fast-talking deejay on KSOL, an R&B/soul radio station in San Francisco. His eclectic musical tastes made him hugely popular. He became an early proponent of including white artists with an R&B flavor (especially British Invasion bands like the Beatles, the Animals, and the Rolling Stones) into the station’s soul music format.

Concurrently, he worked as a staff record producer for Autumn Records, producing for predominantly white San Francisco-area bands such as the Beau Brummels, the Mojo Men, and Grace Slick’s first band, The Great Society.

In 1968, he introduced the music world to his band that revolutionized the music landscape with their unique blend of funk, rock, soul, and psychedelic sounds.

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An interracial, mixed-gender band, their music was characterized by driving rhythms, catchy melodies, and tight vocal harmonies. Drawing on a diverse range of influences, including R&B, gospel, and psychedelic rock, they created a sound that was both innovative and deeply soulful, exemplifying the youth of the countercultural movement in embracing peace and empowering women.

The band debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1968 with the title track from their second album peaking at the #8 position. A groundbreaking jam, it has the distinction of being chosen for the Grammy Hall Of Fame, the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame’s “500 Songs That Shaped Rock,” and Rolling Stone magazine’s “500 Greatest Songs Of All Time.”

The song is a joyful celebration of music and dance. From its opening trumpet fanfare to its infectious groove, it grabs the listener’s attention and invites them to join in the festivities.

Central to the song’s appeal is its dynamic arrangement, which features a series of playful musical interludes that showcase each member of the band. From funky bass lines to fiery trumpet solos, each instrument takes center stage, contributing to the song’s rich sound.

But perhaps the most memorable aspect of the tune is its uplifting message of unity and togetherness, no matter the listener’s gender, race, or class. In the midst of a turbulent era marked by social and political upheaval, Sly & The Family Stone offered a message of hope and optimism with their exuberant call to “Dance To The Music.”

Epilogue: “Dance to the Music” was one of the most influential songs of the late 60s. Sly & The Family Stone’s “psychedelic soul” became the dominating sound in African-American pop music for the next three years, and many established artists, such as the Temptations, Diana Ross & the Supremes, the Impressions, the Four Tops, the 5th Dimension, and War began turning out Family Stone-esque material.

YouTube listing of the song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jn2PNlhvy8E

This “Moments In Time” story is yet another example of a “golden oldie” or forgotten favorite that earned its place in the evolution of Rock & Roll.