United States 
Piano Prodigy Jude Kofie to Headline Project Harmony’s 30th Anniversary Gala
5 days ago
Larry Graham, a pioneering figure in funk music, founded Graham Central Station after his tenure with Sly and the Family Stone.
Interested in booking Larry Graham And Graham Central Station?
Request A ShowThe group used the funk foundation that Graham had established with “Sly and the Family Stone” and sweetened it with various layers of soul.
Mr. Graham and his band "Central Station" are in top condition and performing at its best, what a beast on stage !!! A must see for everyone! Have fun!
Larry Graham's talent and showmanship led to the creation of Graham Central Station after leaving Sly and the Family Stone, with fans sharing his impact.
Their first album, A Whole New Thing, provided a way for people all over the country to hear Larry's unique bass playing. Their next album had a number of hit singles.
Larry Graham is now recognized throughout the world as the innovator of the thumping and plucking funk bass style.
Graham is one of those musical innovators who helped take the bass from being a background instrument to one which can lead the band!!
In the early days of his career with Sly and the Family Stone; and later with his own band Graham Central Station;, Larry Graham primarily used specific bass models.
The new lineup of Graham Central Station comprises musicians who have shared the stage with George Clinton, The Rolling Stones, Santana, James Brown, The Four Tops, and Diana Ross.
Larry Graham & GCS were joined on stage by special guest N8N, a hip young “new school” artist with a funky “old school” vibe, for their March 9th show at De Roma in Antwerp, Belgium.
Larry Graham & GCS were joined on stage by special guest Mark King, bandleader, singer and amazing bass player of the famous British jazz funk band “Level 42”, for their March 10th show at the Jazz Café in London, UK. This was an amazing funky “slap bass” summit!
Larry and Bootsy Collins teamed up at Funk University.
Larry Graham is featured on the hidden track at the end of Raphael Saadiq's new album "Stone Rollin'", and is mentioned in the album’s liner notes as "The reason I play the bass".
Larry Graham and GCS were featured on TV One's "Way Black When".
Larry Graham Jr., born on August 14, 1946, in Beaumont, Texas, U.S., is an American bassist and baritone singer known for his influential contributions to funk and soul music. His parents were both accomplished musicians, providing an early introduction to the world of music. Graham gained prominence as the bassist for the psychedelic soul/funk band Sly and the Family Stone from 1967 to 1972. During his time with the band, he contributed to hit tracks like “Dance to the Music” (1968), “Everyday People” (1968), and “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)” (1969), and critically acclaimed albums such as ‘Stand!’ (1969). He is widely credited with inventing the slapping technique on the electric bass, which he refers to as “thumpin’ and pluckin’,” a style that revolutionized bass playing and became a hallmark of modern funk.
After departing from Sly and the Family Stone in 1972, Larry Graham formed his own band, Graham Central Station. The band quickly achieved success, releasing their self-titled debut album in 1974. Their single “Can You Handle It?” peaked at number 9 on the R&B charts in the same year. Graham Central Station’s biggest hit, “Your Love,” reached number 1 on the R&B charts in 1975. The group’s music integrated gospel influences with funk, creating a distinctive sound. In 1993, Graham was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Sly and the Family Stone, recognizing his significant impact on music.
Throughout the 1990s and beyond, Graham continued to perform, reforming Graham Central Station and collaborating with artists such as Prince. He played bass on tours with Prince from 1997 to 2000 and was featured in Prince’s VHS ‘Beautiful Strange’ (1998) and DVD ‘Rave Un2 the Year 2000’ (1999). In 2011, Graham Central Station opened for Prince on his “Welcome 2 America” tour, and Graham performed with Prince at the “NPG Music & Art Festival” in Copenhagen. His 2012 album ‘Raise Up’ was released to positive reception. In 2020, Rolling Stone recognized his enduring influence by ranking him number 7 on their list of “50 Greatest Bassists of All Time.”
Curious about our offerings or have inquiries? We're eager to assist!
Just complete the form, and we'll respond promptly.
