Sly, Slick and Wicked

For the song "The Sly, Slick and the Wicked", see The Lost Generation (band).
Sly, Slick and Wicked
OriginCleveland, Ohio
GenresR&B
Years active1970 (1970)–1978 (1978)
LabelsPeople, Shaker, Ju-Par (Motown), Epic
Past members

Sly, Slick & Wicked is an American rhythm and blues band from Cleveland, Ohio. The group was formed in 1970 by John (Sly) Wilson, Charles (Slick) Still, and Mark (Wicked) Saxton.[1] Two years after their formation, Terry Stubbs replaced Saxton and Maurice Reedus Jr. became part of their backup musicians.[1] Their song "Stay My Love" was a Top Ten rhythm-and-blues song in 1971, and Polydor issued a 1972 follow-up, "It's Not Easy."

On the strength of these recordings, James Brown asked them to work for People Records, a sublabel of Polydor run by Brown. This made the band a part of what was called James Brown's "First Family of Soul."[1] In 1973, John Wilson wrote the song "Sho' Nuff", which the band recorded with People Records that same year.[2] The success of this record led Don Cornelius to sign the band to appear on Soul Train.[1]

Later, the band became part of The O'Jays' Shaker Records, creating the song "Turn On Your Lovelight" in 1974.[1] Around 1976, the band signed with Motown.[1] The band's debut album Sly, Slick & Wicked was released by Ju-Par in 1977.[3]

They were awarded the Men of Motown Award from the Motown Museum in 2003, and were inducted into the Motown Alumni Association Hall of Fame. In 2003, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame added the group to its permanent display. They were inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame in 2013.[4][5] The group is featured in the 2014 documentary, "The Sax Man", which focused on Maurice Reedus Jr.'s musical career.[6]

"Suit and Tie" by Justin Timberlake and "Chaining Day" by J.Cole contain samples from their song "Sho Nuff".[7][8]

Discography

  • "Stay My Love" / "Surely" (1972) - Paramount
  • "It's Not Easy" / "Your Love Was Meant For Me" (1973) - Paramount
  • "Sho Nuff" / "Ready For You"[9] (1973) - People Records
  • "Turn On Your Lovelight" / "We Don't Have To Be Lovers" (1974) - Shaker Records
  • Sly, Slick & Wicked (1977) - Ju-Par[3]
  • "All I Want Is Your" / "The Prophet" (1978) - Epic

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Schwarz, Ted (2010). Cleveland Curiosities: Eliot Ness & His Blundering Raid, A Busker's Promise, the Richest Heiress Who Never Lived and More. The History Press. ISBN 978-1-61423-252-0. Retrieved 7 May 2020 – via Google Books.
  2. ^ Benassi, Jodi (6 August 2018). "Sly Slick & Wicked Revived". Mondaq Business Briefing. Retrieved 4 June 2020 – via Gale General OneFile.
  3. ^ a b "Kendricks, Syreeta, G.C. Cameron... Sly, Slick & Wicked". The Pittsburgh Courier. 10 September 1977. p. 7. Retrieved 31 May 2020.
  4. ^ Betts, Graham (2014). Motown Encyclopedia. AC. ISBN 978-1-311-44154-6 – via Google Books.
  5. ^ "Inductees (2013 – 2021)". Nation Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame. 24 July 2022. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  6. ^ Michael K. McIntyre, The Plain Dealer (17 April 2018). "Cleveland's "Sax Man, Maurice Reedus Jr., dies at age 65". cleveland.com. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  7. ^ Augustin, Camille (7 January 2016). "Universal Hit With Lawsuit Over Jay Z & Justin Timberlake's "Suit & Tie"". Vibe. Retrieved 31 May 2020.
  8. ^ Russell, Josh (6 June 2018). "Royalties Claim Revived Over Timberlake Hit 'Suit & Tie'". Courthouse News Service. Retrieved 31 May 2020.
  9. ^ Thompson, Dave (2001). Funk. Backbeat Books. p. 179. ISBN 978-0-87930-629-8.