These cities were selected as they are significant to the history of Sly and the Family Stone.

• Philadelphia

  • The band performed repeatedly at The Spectrum during their peak touring years
  • Represents the intersection of Black radio, touring circuits, and mass audiences

  San Francisco

  • Birthplace of the band and Sly’s gospel roots
  • The story begins here, re-creating the spiritual, communal energy that shaped their sound

  Las Vegas

  • First booking outside the Bay Area: residency at Pussy Cat A Go Go
  • Recorded their first album during days off at CBS in Los Angeles
  • Returned twice within six months, including shows at the Flamingo in late 1968

  New York City

  • Breakthrough city
  • Early shows at Electric Circus (1967), followed by The Apollo, Central Park, and the Harlem Cultural Festival
  • Appeared 11 times at Madison Square Garden (1970–1974)

  Los Angeles

  • Sly’s primary home from late 1969
  • Recorded There’s a Riot Goin’ On here
  • Site of the 2006 reunion performance at the Grammy Awards

  Minneapolis

  • Cultural echo city
  • Home of Prince
  • As noted in Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius), “There would be no Prince and the Revolution without Sly and the Family Stone.”