Once bands and acts become part of the cultural furniture, it becomes hard to imagine that they had to fight—often from humble beginnings—to get anywhere. Some bands, such as the Sex Pistols, were fired into the zeitgeist, but for most, it’s a heavy slog for recognition, paying their dues for many years before that much-needed breakthrough.
It’s hard to imagine Sly & The Family Stone struggling like this, but that is exactly what they had to go through. An upcoming release tells the story of one gig they recorded before they became so famous—but which is now the stuff of legend.
“The Winchester Cathedral recordings showcase a one-of-kind outfit that was already at the peak of its powers, long before it became internationally famous. Sly is fully in command, while the unique arrangements and tighter-than-tight ensemble playing point clearly to the road ahead, and the enduring influence of Sly & The Family Stone‘s music.” —Alec Palao
The First Family: Live at Winchester Cathedral 1967 presents the earliest known live recording of Sly & The Family Stone, capturing the band in their raw, electrifying infancy. This historic set comes with a deluxe booklet featuring liner notes by GRAMMY®-nominated producer Alec Palao, exclusive interviews with Sly Stone and all original members, plus never-before-seen photos, rare memorabilia, and more.
Before they changed the sound and face of popular music, Sly & The Family Stone were already breaking barriers — musically, racially, and socially. Blending rock, soul, funk, and psychedelia, the band’s genre-defying sound is on full display in this thrilling 1967 performance, recorded live at Winchester Cathedral in Redwood City, CA — a full year before their breakthrough hit “Dance to the Music.”
Originally released as a limited-edition LP for Record Store Day, the set was featured in Questlove’s 2025 documentary Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius) as a vital early document of Sly’s brilliance. The performance features a dynamic mix of vintage soul covers and originals, infused with the energy and innovation that would soon become their trademark.
Recorded by the band’s first manager, Rich Romanello, the analog reels were shelved after the group signed to Epic Records, and remained untouched for 35 years. Rediscovered in 2002 by Dutch archivists Edwin and Arno Konings, the tapes were carefully restored by Palao for this release.
Mastered by Dan Hersch and lacquer cut by Kevin Gray, the result is a stunning 50-minute time capsule that proves the genius of Sly & The Family Stone was fully formed from the very beginning.
This is where it all began.
