Larry Graham Jr. (born August 14, 1946) is an American bassist and baritone singer, with the psychedelic soul/funk band Sly and the Family Stone and as the founder and frontman of Graham Central Station. In 1980, he released the single "One in a Million You", which reached the top ten on the US Billboard Hot 100. He is credited with the invention of the slapping technique on the electric bass guitar, which radically expanded the tonal palette of the bass, although he himself refers to the technique as "thumpin' and pluckin'".
In 1993, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Sly and the Family Stone. He is also the uncle of rapper Drake.
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Before their breakout, Sly & The Family Stone recorded a rare 1967 live set. Hear Larry Graham’s groundbreaking bass style in its rawest form before it changed funk forever.
The Temptations are one of the greatest vocal groups of all time. After six decades in the business, they’re taking a victory lap with their newest album, aptly entitled “60”. They’ve recruited a stellar cast of bassists too.
Our friends at Bart Funk Bass shared this great excerpt from the 2013 “Finding The Funk” documentary film. In this clip, Marcus Miller shares his thoughts on the work and influence of the great Larry Graham.
We can all agree that Larry Graham might be the baddest thumper of all time. In this clip from 1980, he gives us a bit of bass history. Larry breaks it down with a live drummer and the funk doesn’t let up!
Attention funkateers! Bootsy Collins has announced a new album, “The Power of the One”, which will be released on October 23rd. It will also include three bassists alongside the funk legend: Christian McBride, Larry Graham, and Victor Wooten.
