Sly, Slick and Wicked

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Sly, Slick and Wicked
Origin Cleveland, Ohio
Genres R&B
Years active1970 (1970)–1978 (1978)
Labels People, Shaker, Ju-Par (Motown), Epic
Past members
John "Sly" Wilson (left) with Jack "Stix" Ashford of The Funk Brothers, 2025. John 'Sly' Wilson and Jack 'Stix' Ashford.jpg
John "Sly" Wilson (left) with Jack "Stix" Ashford of The Funk Brothers, 2025.

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."

Contents

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]

On October 2, 2025, Charles (Slick) Still died.

Discography

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 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 May 7, 2020– via Google Books.
  2. ↑ Benassi, Jodi (August 6, 2018). "Sly Slick & Wicked Revived". Mondaq Business Briefing. Retrieved June 4, 2020– via Gale General OneFile.
  3. 1 2 "Kendricks, Syreeta, G.C. Cameron... Sly, Slick & Wicked". The Pittsburgh Courier. September 10, 1977. p. 7. Retrieved May 31, 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. July 24, 2022. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  6. ↑ Michael K. McIntyre, The Plain Dealer (April 17, 2018). "Cleveland's "Sax Man," Maurice Reedus Jr., dies at age 65". cleveland.com. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  7. ↑ Augustin, Camille (January 7, 2016). "Universal Hit With Lawsuit Over Jay Z & Justin Timberlake's "Suit & Tie"". Vibe. Retrieved May 31, 2020.
  8. ↑ Russell, Josh (June 6, 2018). "Royalties Claim Revived Over Timberlake Hit 'Suit & Tie'". Courthouse News Service. Retrieved May 31, 2020.
  9. ↑ Thompson, Dave (2001). Funk. Backbeat Books. p. 179. ISBN   978-0-87930-629-8.
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