Sly, Slick and Wicked | |
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Origin | Cleveland, Ohio |
Genres | R&B |
Years active | 1970 | –1978
Labels | People, Shaker, Ju-Par (Motown), Epic |
Past members |
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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]
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