SLY STONE RELEASES FIRST NEW RECORD IN ALMOST THIRTY YEARS

Los Angeles, CA…Sly Stone is releasing his first new record since 1982 on August 16, 2011 via Cleopatra Records. I’M BACK! FAMILY & FRIENDS is an 11-track celebration of Sly’s best-loved hits featuring guest appearances by music legends.

Classics from “Everyday People” and “Family Affair” to “Dance to the Music” and “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)” are given updates, sounding fresh and continually meaningful, while retaining the patented Stone rock-funk infusion. Adding to the interpretations are contributions from icons Ray Manzarek, Bootsy Collins, Johnny Winter, Jeff Beck, Ann Wilson and more. The album is topped off with three previously unreleased tracks, including Sly’s take on the traditional “His Eye Is On The Sparrow.” The CD version also adds three club mixes. I’M BACK! FAMILY & FRIENDS was produced by Jurgen Engler, Chris Leitz and Sly Stone.

“It was an honor and a pleasure to work with a legend. We think that these reinterpreted musical masterpieces, and the contributions of so many icons, makes a terrific new album and we are thrilled with the final product!” said Brian Perera, Founder and President of Cleopatra Records.

In 1967, Sly and the Family Stone changed the look and sound of music as one of the first interracial, mixed gender bands that dared to fuse rock ‘n’ roll, R&B, jazz and soul. This new funk sound kept people on their feet, but the lyrics promoting peace and love and universal consciousness kept them thinking. That powerful combination has made Sly Stone an innovator, influencer and an artist with never-ending relevance.

Sly has been sampled by modern artists such as Janet Jackson, Beastie Boys, Kid Rock, Ice Cube and Public Enemy. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 1992, and is the recipient of the 2002 R&B Foundation Pioneer Award.

I’M BACK! Family & FRIENDS will be available on iTunes, amazon.com, and at your favorite record store. The CD is $16.98 and limited 12” vinyl $19.98.