Nile Rodgers Remembers Sly Stone

To truly understand one music legend, you often need another. Nile Rodgers, the famed producer and bandleader, held Sly Stone in high regard long before they became friends. Stone, a trailblazer in funk, passed away at the age of 82 on June 9th.

And Rodgers has proof of his admiration.

“I still have my ticket from when I saw Sly and the Family Stone at the Schaefer Music Festival in Central Park,” the 72-year-old shared at the Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in New York. “You won’t believe it—the ticket price? Just $1.00. General admission was a buck. I still cherish it; that concert was a highlight for me.”

But that’s not the only way Sly Stone left an impression on the young musician. “I remember, I think it was either my first or second album—can’t quite recall. I would go to a friend’s home because he was the only one who could afford the album,” he reminisced.

As the president of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Rodgers is well-acquainted with the masterminds behind classics like “Dance to the Music” and “Everyday People.” “Later in life, I got to know Sly while he was living in California. He was going through a rough patch; sadly, he was living in his car,” Rodgers said. “We bonded over late-night talks when the Chinese club unfolded in Los Angeles. It just felt like we connected on a deeper level.”

Interestingly, Stone invited Rodgers to serve as the music director for the 2006 Grammy tribute to his work, featuring artists like Maroon 5, John Legend, and Joss Stone.

Another iconic producer, Jimmy Jam, also spoke fondly of Stone’s influence, mentioning how he sampled the 1970 hit “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)” for Janet Jackson’s 1989 track “Rhythm Nation.” “I’m not sure people will entirely connect the dots, but his influence is undeniable,” he noted. “His music is unique, with a lasting impact.”

Rodgers echoed similar sentiments, revealing how pivotal Stone was in shaping his creative vision: “Honestly, for me, Sly is right up there with John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Nina Simone. He was the epitome of R&B for my generation.”

Indeed, along with the groundbreaking contributions of Sly & The Family Stone, Rodgers firmly stated that Sly Stone “changed music.” He emphasized, “They transformed how America perceives Black musicians. They revolutionized everything.”