Robinson, Cynthia (1946–)
Robinson, Cynthia (1946–)
African-American musician. Name variations: Sly and the Family Stone. Born Jan 12, 1946, in Sacramento, CA; children: (with Sly whose real name is Sylvester Stewart) Sylvettha Phunne Robinson.
Considered the 1st black female trumpet player in pop music, started short-lived group, the Stoners, with Sly Stone (1966), before forming Sly and the Family Stone in San Francisco (1967) and releasing debut single, "I Ain't Got Nobody," backed with "I Can't Turn You Loose"; with group, had hits with "Dance to the Music" (1968) and "Everyday People," which went to #1 on both pop and R&B charts; also released hit album, Stand (1969), which stayed on charts for over 80 weeks, and included songs "Don't Call Me Nigger Whitey," "Somebody's Watching You," and "I Want to Take You Higher"; other hit singles include "Hot Fun in the Summertime" and "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)"; released There's a Riot Goin' On (1971), which contained darker material, went to #1 and included hit, "Family Affair"; saw group disband (1975); other albums include Fresh (1973), Small Talk (1974), Back on the Right Track (1979), and Ain't But the One Way (1983). Sly and the Family Stone was inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1993).