Sly And The Family Stone "I Want To Take You Higher" on The Ed Sullivan Show

Sly And The Family Stone "I Want To Take You Higher" on The Ed Sullivan Show, December 29, 1968. Subscribe now to never miss an update: ume.lnk.to/EdS...
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The Ed Sullivan Show was a television variety program that aired on CBS from 1948-1971. For 23 years it aired every Sunday night and played host to the world's greatest talents. The Ed Sullivan Show is well known for bringing rock n' roll music to the forefront of American culture through acts like Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones. The entertainers each week ranged from comedians like Joan Rivers and Rodney Dangerfield, to Broadway stars Julie Andrews and Richard Burton, to pop singers such as Bobby Darin and Petula Clark. It also frequently featured stars of Motown such as The Supremes, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder and The Jackson 5. The Ed Sullivan Show was one of the only places on American television where such a wide variety of popular culture was showcased and its legacy lives on to this day.
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#SlyAndTheFamilyStone #EdSullivan #EdSullivanShow

[@guardianangel9517]

As a little girl in the 70s, I remember the walls of our trailer vibrating because my mom was BLASTING this on the stereo!!! 🎉💥

[@OnlyGoodMusic_]

this is 1968

[@guardianangel9517]

@@OnlyGoodMusic_ I believe you🌞

[@guardianangel9517]

And now my mom passed away a year and a half ago so this song and others are going to be even more special to me 🎶💜🫂🙏🏼🪻

[@shyman99]

The channel has incorrectly labeled this video as "I Want To Take You Higher". It's actually a section of a medley. On this program they performed "Everyday People," "Dance to the Music," "Sing A Simple Song", "M'Lady" & "Music Lover. What you have here are the last three songs of the medley.

[@kevingoins9858]

Noticed that.

[@KevyNova]

I wish they’d upload the full version.

[@shyman99]

@@KevyNova - Agree. The first two songs of the medley were uploaded to this channel in an earlier post and the channel ended it early by inserting a clip of the audience clapping. It's rewriting music history and very disturbing.

[@KevyNova]

@@shyman99 man that’s dirty! They’re trying to get two videos out of one performance for double clicks but chopping up someone else’s art in the process. Not cool.

[@sixtieskid062]

"Don't hate the black, don't hate the white, if you get bit, just hate the bite." So sayeth Sylvester Stewart (AKA Sly Stone) to open this segment .Wish you had uploaded it.

[@melaniexoxo]

Sly is incredible and has a heart of gold. I saw him in an interview with Cass Elliot and he was just a doll to her.

[@KEEPONROCKINKID]

What a wild performance. They didn't tone it down at all for TV. Wonder what Ed thought of this. Did he have an aspirin and lie down in the dressing room after the show.

[@that70sgirl90]

😄😄😄

[@sherrybirchall8677]

I'm sure he loved it. He booked them on his show, after all.

[@esterhardesty6418]

Ed Sullivan loved it. He was the first or one of the first to have black entertainment on. He got some shade, but he didn't stop. Loved his show Watched it every Sunday night.

[@brucekuehn4031]

He exposed all of America to a wide variety of music from different styles and races even when integration was being opposed.

[@SuperMikado282]

​@@sherrybirchall8677Exactly.

[@goranmedakovic4762]

True genius,mix of soul, jazz, blues.Fantastic musicians.. Peace ☮️ Sly.

[@MrRae7231]

I wish i could experienced Sly and the family stone

[@justinjones5526]

Sly is what made me want to play the keyboard and start my own band which I did so special sound out to his group for helping me out

[@lovelovelovemusic1177]

LOVE Never Stops Loving LOVE🌎

[@PoundTown595]

You never see this kind of energy in live performances anymore.

[@piotrnatalczuk8769]

There is no one like Sly.

[@DonFahquidmi]

Seems like cell phones get in the way.

[@barrysmith8920]

Absolutely phenomenal on EVERY level humanly possible!!! 🌹🖤🌟🖤🌹

[@bignoyz4111]

At the height of their Powers

[@jpsmusicandmore5457]

Sly is a genius

[@JustVisiting]

Love this performance!

[@patrickgrisley]

God damn! I need to take a rest after that😂. Thank you for letting us be ourselves!

[@eliterry3785]

That was awesome! And to think, I was about to go to bed but decided to click just one more time!! Yeah me!

[@awmau8954]

One of the best f*ckin things i've seen and heard

[@BrittleSun]

I can’t express enough how much I LOVE this OMG they were soooooo good!

[@324cmac]

It's so joyful!

[@ChrisHansonCanada]

2:38 That hand clapping Grandpa on the right was having himself a helluva good time! One of the greatest performances featured on the Sullivan show. Energy plus!

[@324cmac]

Thank God for him. The other white guys looked very uncomfortable.

[@michaelbrandt5416]

Yeah, that white dude was definitely feeling the funky vibes. The rest too lame.

[@erickjason9092]

Holy Shit! That was incredible! I am blown away!!!! So tight. so powerful. so heavy!

[@cccalll]

2:42 somebody tell me Sly didn’t just break out with the Hambone?😮😂 This band was awesome!

[@michaelshea5622]

You just know Sly Stone always got the good dope.

[@alexandrsemenov9757]

drummer!!!

[@antarcticorb9197]

What's interesting is that Sly could sing I want to take you higher and use those words and Jim Morrison got banned for using the same word in his song!

[@fbt25]

I was about to comment that. The Doors' performance took place the previous year. Maybe the show loosened their rules after that.

[@Gardenpath11]

I heard the greatest version of Que sera sera sung by sly and the family stone, go listen to it! The man was a genius w a great voice

[@averyadrian1534]

Don’t do drugs kids… Sly why did you get addicted? You were so amazing

[@calvinbealer7264]

Earth ,Wind and Fire Good Not Carry Their Jock Strap. SLY Rules.

[@kevingoins9858]

Apples and oranges. Each band had their own lane. No comparison.

[@that70sgirl90]

@@kevingoins9858 True!

[@bigolebot]

@@that70sgirl90 what do you mean true? Is clearly obvious you weren't alive throughout the 1960s when Sly and The Family Stone were at their peak in the 60s. Every crappy band copied their style after their peak ended. Earth Wind and Fire, Isley Brothers, Doobie Brothers etc etc. Go and ask your mum about this amazing band of the 60s.

[@jonsmith848]

Sly loosened up that Audience

[@williest1]

The audience though! You never realize you're in a historical moment - when you're IN a historical moment!

[@Large23collectibles]

Doesn't matter what race, sex, creed. We all can make beautiful music together. This is what Sly and the family stone taught me.

[@andytaylor5476]

That was the essence of the group.

[@waldolydecker8118]

True, though he didn't invent it...jazz musicians had been doing it before for decades - and they did it in the face of real hardcore open racism, nationwide legalized segregation, and codified Jim Crow with no benefit of a 1965 Civil Rights Act. Sly was indeed brilliant at incorporating this musician's tradition into his core musical philosophy.

[@Phish1995]

Well said, Large23

[@wwbuirkle]

Yea so don't keep bringing it up 24/7

[@waldolydecker8118]

@@wwbuirkle - what are you going to do if he does? tell your mommy? finally take a bath? ??

[@jameshuseby6290]

Not only is Sly Stone a great musician but a great Human Being when the Black Panthers told him to get rid of the White Guys out of the group he just plain ignored them he was Way ahead of his time in seeing people for who they are and not the shade of their skin a great leader by example and a include people vs. a divider way a head of his time and a great example for today that we need so bad!

[@Marcus_C51]

i hear you man--good point on Sly's message! Everybody, include don't be rude, make it beautiful! When I saw him and the band launch into their set on 'The Summer of Soul" ahhh yeah, the power of Sly and the Family Stone came bursting off of the screen. What a positive vibe and yes, he was way ahead of his time, we need to get back to working for harmony in all ways. I'd never seen this awesome medley from Ed Sullivan, incredible!

[@Markhypnosis1]

Whilst I agree with you about Sly's stance, I can actually understand why the Black Panthers felt the way they did. Literally only a few years before Sly started, segregation was still law in the US. 1964 was when it ended, but it still took years for inclusion to be enforced. Hell, many us channels refused to air Star Trek because it had black actors in it......the shock! So you can understand why they felt that way about white people. It was really about how they were treated at the hands of white people.

[@Marcus_C51]

@@Markhypnosis1 I hear you--I understand why the Black Panthers and Malcolm X had their views. I've watched some interviews and speeches by him in the past few months and there is merit to his stance. Of course it was MLK Day Monday and he deserves much reverence, but I do understand why the Panthers and Malcolm X and the Black Muslims didn't rule out violence. Yeah, I can see why white people were hated. The brutality of the treatment was off the charts. Another thing about "Summer of Soul" that hit me was how long ago was this and how much has really changed? It really is crazy how we are still struggling with racism as a nation and are going backwards with the dissolving of voter rights that John Lewis and many others literally fought and bled for. I've also learned more about the intense life of Nina Simone, who hated this country's racist attitudes so much she moved overseas. Her "Backlash Blues" in Summer of Soul was so powerful. Then there was "Mississippi Goddamn". In regards to Sly, I read that in the early years of the band he was all about being colorblind. That's how he actually was and it was how he approached everyone. Later on he encountered resistance to his views and it depressed him. I think he was disgusted with it and asked "What do you want from me?". He treated everyone as an equal and wanted to be treated as one himself. Plus the pressure of the songwriting, recording, tours and stardom wore him down I'm sure. It didn't help that the drugs came in so heavy. But I still look at his career as a triumph, he has given us some of the most positive, dynamic, innovative music ever! For us who are into the music, his legacy will always shine through and to me that's what it's all about. What a message! Also gave us some truth too with the "There's a Riot Goin' On" album. These Sly and the Family Stone performances blow me away--pure Gold!

[@kevinburke6055]

And now when people say sly stone they think of Sylvester Stallone too bad they been lost in history

[@Crissy991]

Why would the Black Panthers say that ?

[@erock2229]

Now that was a cool performance. They took the studio version and turned it on its side and made it something unique for the audience instead of just making it sound the way it did on the radio. Nice job interacting with the audience too. I wish I could have seen them perform.

[@shyman99]

See my post in this video. The song, "I Want To Take You Higher" did not exist when they appeared in 1968. The lyrics were in the song "Music Lover". The following year (1969), they would take that line and merge it with the song "Higher" and create a new song called "I Want To Take You Higher".

[@erock2229]

@@shyman99 Thanks for the info!!!

[@andytaylor5476]

@@shyman99 Thanks, I got the impression this was a 'song in the making" of what would be "Want To Take You Higher".

[@peterkoulouris8900]

I saw Sly and the Family Stone co-headline with Boz Scaggs, Summer 1976, Spartan Stadium, San Jose State, CA. I was on security detail standing between the stage and the crowd barriers. They were awesome!

[@communitypark2313]

I am totally confused...

[@truebetold65]

Whoever gave this video a thumbs down has got to be a person who doesn't like music.

[@peterruiz2093]

I had to check but Yes! They are in The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

[@adonaiyah2196]

If only there was one for funk

[@arlenak5712]

Late 60s and late 70s best Funk music timeline I feel👊🏾

[@324cmac]

@@arlenak5712 Best music...period!

[@itravellight]

It's insane how much talent this band had. They fit together like a finely woven fabric and created pure joy. I never tire of hearing them or seeing this video... my favorite.

[@RobertSmith-iw2kb]

He did this at Woodstock and had 400k hippies dancing at midnight 😂

[@bossyspaghetti]

How was that audience just sitting there?? His energy is so infectious.

[@eekamouse-js8lr]

White culture

[@vision-gc4hy]

@@eekamouse-js8lr It was mosty the times. People didn't want to be rude. You couldn't stand in front of somebody then like you can now.

[@eekamouse-js8lr]

@@vision-gc4hy Good point. I remember those days. Not wanting to be rude back then was part of white culture. Trump took care of that.

[@vision-gc4hy]

@@eekamouse-js8lr I agree with you about Trump. But back then, it was everybody's culture. It was either everybody is standing or nobody is standing. Ed Sullivan Show was a TV show and audience took instruction. Even applauded when the signs told you to applause. All Black concerts in the 70's were pretty wild. But everybody was wild. Smaller concerts and performances, people behaved very civilly. Even today, Black people believe in the integrity of standing in a line and taking turns. "It's his turn, then her turn, THEN it's MY turn. Your turn is AFTER mine."

[@eekamouse-js8lr]

@@vision-gc4hy Well said. I agree with you. By mentioning "white culture," it's what I was surrounded by until the age of 14, when I began at a *public* high school in 1970 (private schools up until then - which I hated), only 2 years after integration was enforced in my home town.. Then, I began to experience things outside the white culture which indeed seemed "wilder," but that was also about the time when culture in general (as persuaded by the huge youth movement), started to get wilder. Understandably, the black culture - at least, my exposure to it in high school - was suddenly a lot wilder, too, having to do, I'm certain, with the backlash from certain white & Hispanic students & their parents. There were frequent fights, some involving weapons (no guns, though!). My mention of "white culture" was actually intended to be sarcastic. Hope that better explains my terse, two-word comment. Thank you for your thoughtful comment. :)

[@sararowland5168]

This is when music was great. Today's music sucks

[@PhyllisSpearman-cw7iv]

And u no that!!! Ha, ha

[@maypenja2819]

The vast majority of that audience did not come to see Sly and The Family Stone. Their minds most have been blown! The best part was the old white guy with the hat clapping his hands and Sly giving some skin to one the few brothers in the audience.

[@DMBisAwesome]

Yeah, pretty cool considering they just won their rights a few months ago. There were likely many happy people in that room.

[@toneyhorton3703]

That white Drummer knew how to play in the pocket .. He also played with power ,Accents ,Rolls at the correct time .. in essence .. He had SOUL !! As a Drummer … i know !!!!

[@wheelinthesky300]

White drummer? Was there a black drummer hiding somewhere?

[@markthompson7727]

The “squares” in the audience are a hoot and didn’t know what just hit them!

[@jacluv7862]

Right I loved when Sly & Rose ran to the audience & danced so badass!!!!

[@esterhardesty6418]

Exactly. They finally started clapping to the beat.

[@santanajackson8829]

I bet when they look back at that they realize that they seen greatness

[@Mythical444]

This was a new sound at the time, I think they didn’t know how to receive it.

[@seymourfroggs]

I think I'm one of them. Must have missed me.

[@rubedogg6969]

Freddie Stone and Larry Graham getting down at 3:03!

[@Malik-mw2ry]

I didn't notice it until you mentioned it and now it's my favorite sequence (except for anything with Rose in it lol)

[@gilval808]

Seeing that older gentlemen clapping shows me that he's with the program. I'm sure he's thinking and saying in his mind now why couldn't we have this kinda music in my young time.

[@danbull]

One of the all time greats. And the style of this era is a thing to behold

[@KevyNova]

“Premiers in 47 hours” I am SO looking forward to this one and have notifications ON!!!!!

[@skateforzero357]

Boy does that snare pop! The beauty of acoustic drum kits. No microphones needed!

[@MrModelworx]

How absolutely awesome is this! Seriously kicks ass. Very tight musicians all of them, but the bass and drums are totally locked in. I can't stop watching it.

[@BigBusDream]

a brilliant piece of music. when sly was in control of himself, he was the best - and his group were pros

[@sandratruster3305]

I truly LOVED them at Woodstock☮️✌🏼!!!!!

[@TwasNeverThus2]

were you there?

[@sbgog93]

@@TwasNeverThus2 I was there my nigga

[@JimLaughlan]

I'm really surprised the light towers didn't collapse because they whipped that crowd into a total frenzy!!

[@324cmac]

I wish they would have filmed that performance better.

[@michaelrochester48]

They were Prince before Prince

[@donkeyshot8472]

prince is prince, and sly is king.

[@gidneyandcloyd]

Wow. I remember my 14-year-old self watching this and thinking it was the most exciting thing I’d ever seen on television. It’s still pretty exciting!

[@MediaWest]

live, not lip sync. love he scared the crap out of the suits in the audience. the black folk there were getting it... you can see how he influenced prince.

[@coinboynyc]

The white guy sitting in back of the black guy at 2:37 seemed to be getting into it.

[@kevingoins9858]

@@coinboynyc Black and white were gettin' it indeed. Sly wouldn't want it any other way.

[@JimLaughlan]

Drummer Greg Errico and Bassist Larry Graham were funk innovators.

[@reepacheirpfirewalker8629]

I sure love the many times Ed Sullivan brought music acts like them, it's not an accident and shows also how respectful the Family was to Ed because Ed didn't like getting any disrespect from people.

[@raywebb7501]

I watched this live on TV at my grandparents house cause they had a color TV, its still the Greatest act that I’ve ever see on the tube! I was 10.

[@angelomelville9084]

Woe...This is the grand daddy of FUNK...AMAZING...

[@DarylYoung-uh7vo]

They were great 🎶 musicians with a message ✌ peace love and unity we can make it happen together. 😮

[@tj921able]

This was wonderful! I love the way they made it audience participation. I would have been rocking out if I were there! 🎹🎷🎺🎸🥁

[@luizavanco4943]

Mannn what the heckkk? Powerful performance!!!

[@outtathyme5679]

We all dance on the shoulders of this giant

[@melodiesproul4109]

The film quality is amazing. Looks like it was made today.

[@bobcast6024]

Greg Errico slaying it!!❤👊

[@KevyNova]

Thank you for uploading this, but I wish it was the full performance! There is something magical about the original Family Stone lineup: Sly Freddie Larry Cynthia (RIP) Greg Rosie Gerry

[@hnc52]

Holy Crap! This is by far one of the best Sullivan clips. That audience must have been in shock! Sly was about the music, totally color blind. The whole band was so talented.

[@Marcus_C51]

I totally agree-what a powerful performance! Outrageous and outstanding--colorblind indeed!!

[@imtheman4805]

As a white man I was left out of life’s lottery. Born without Rhythm, Soul and Funk. Gotta love the Guitar and Bass doing the James Brown Side Step Slide Sly put the Stank into every song!

[@dcshortwave]

I’d say you got a little funk in ya, if sly and the family stone gets you deep in your soul... you did aight.

[@JET7C0]

Yeah, 100% agree - I ended up coming across a 300+ vid long playlist of all these Ed Sullivan live performances, and after going through a few dozen, this is probably my favorite so far. Sly Stone was pretty much a genius, musically - "There's a Riot Goin' On" (a lot which he recorded literally lying in bed) is a masterpiece.

[@christineminer6472]

Y'all see how Sly showcases everyone's talent, not selfish at all!!!

[@recordguy4321]

remember watching this in the college dorm. Drummer Greg Errico is one of all my time favorites

[@KevyNova]

He’s terribly underrated. One of my favorites too.

[@antarcticorb9197]

Kick ass rhythm!

[@drrjim]

@@antarcticorb9197 Yeah, plays kinda stiff but that bass drum rhythm at the Music lover song kicks ass. He fits that extra kick in there that really gets me. Awesome performance from everyone in the band !

[@rainertrebbin-vf7nt]

Sly Stone

[@neilcrowesongs9768]

Incredible band and music. So glad he's got clean, has a home and his family round him.

[@ethanhill9460]

Bet that audience member who received the Five never again washed his hands.

[@ParisLondonRoma]

They were considered one of the best groups at Woodstock

[@ethanhill9460]

Their performance was HIGH LIGHT of the festival.

[@TechnicJunglist]

Not one of the best, The Best.

[@factenter6787]

I loved their performances. Tight, high energy, funky, original, a bit eccentric, and very cool

[@catherineharrison4024]

Sly comments 'thankyou for letting us be ourselves' I thank god for that. Sly stone is amazing as are his very talented family/band.

[@spyderlogan4992]

I have a replica of that EXACT 6 string guitar strap...It's known(now) as the Jimi Hendrix Woodstock, Dunlop model JH101. Incredible to see one being worn nine months BEFORE Woodstock(August 1969).

[@324cmac]

This video needs to have 1 million views!

[@agentgringo5238]

What an awesome Band...Hey Music Loverrr...Sock it to Em!!!! 60s music the best and I was born in 69!

[@bigolebot]

1959-1974 (pre disco) were amazing for black music man

[@quiteright623]

Sly warming up for Woodstock , Eight months later .. Remarkable Performance !!

[@honestkaos]

Talent. Pure talent.

[@blacksabbathmatters3365]

This is solid fucking gold ladies and gentlemen. 🙏 Never ever to be duplicated.

[@backtothepasture]

Whole band is killin'!! And how about Freddie and Larry with the moves at the end ... C'mon!!!!

[@TheCoreyLight]

Dig that beat!!!

[@grayanderson7157]

One of the best things I've seen

[@trainstar5]

Great group, well ahead of their time.

[@mirrorblue100]

Yeah - people used to actually play their instruments and sing live on TV - great performance!

[@LeeLand-SqueeTis]

timeless / greatness

[@cindyinnew]

If you aren’t moving to this call 911 because you are comatose

[@MoiraRussell]

//jaw on floor THIS was on the ED SULLIVAN show? I never would have guessed! Smoking!

[@MA_808]

There is some irony that Sly has long outlived Prince who stole Sly's act.

[@guardianangel9517]

Wow!👍🏻

[@therealniggabruh]

Lmao bro you’re extremely wild for thinking that but to each their own. Sly was unarguably his biggest inspo of course but to say Prince bit his whole style from ‘em is ridiculous to say the least.

[@sammcbride2149]

This is the kind of music I first fell in love with as a young teenager listening to the soul station in town on my little clock radio. Love these guys. What great spirit.

[@therealniggabruh]

One of the greatest performances i’ve ever seen

[@lgziabeher]

That low 5 at 2:53 was awesome

[@tkbalmeida]

Came here from the NY Times - The Radical Experimentation of Black Psychedelia

[@BuddhaGBahia]

damn i wish the entire performance was on here like it used to be. it's even more incredible in its entirety.

[@Eastsid3]

I always enjoy watching old performances like this. They look like they're having a blast..

[@slickrickslopoker8293]

They just don't have bands like this anymore man. They made great music 🎶 🎉🎸🎤

[@324cmac]

Sometimes Bruno Mars tries to be like this and he does a pretty good job. But Sly and his amazing players will always be the best in my book.

[@trublu71]

If this doesn't move you ! Ya got no soul!

[@stevensonjc21]

The audience was not ready lol

[@piotrnatalczuk8769]

gorgeous mind of Sly & the Family Stone.

[@theloniouscoltrane3778]

Sly Stone, one of the great multi-instrumentalists who grew up playing music in a Christian (not Catholic) church. Legend!

[@neilmorgan4365]

That is Classic Sly and the Family Stone. They gave it their all. Fabulous

[@b_uppy]

They had several distinctive singers and a thumb on the nation's pulse. Their music expressed a lot of positivity. Love them. Too bad Sly was ultimately ruled by drugs.

[@that70sgirl90]

Drugs or alcohol... too many times that's the sad story.

[@bigolebot]

Yep, from 1967-1971 they were awesome. After 1971 they fell off badly

[@b_uppy]

@@that70sgirl90 Drugs took out some of the best, to be sure.

[@b_uppy]

@@bigolebot Really would have loved to have them do more. Wonder what happened to other band members...

[@bigolebot]

@@b_uppy Lol, you should research it, then you'll learn how messed up all of them were. You'll understand why they started to fall apart around the 70s which makes it more depressing because throughout the 1960s during Sly and The Family Stone's peak they were the best band in the soul department in my opinion. After 1971, game over... But do the research and you'll understand why they went downhill in the 70s my friend

[@toneyhorton3703]

She is “ Winner “ give her some attention” Yeh Sly !!!!

[@mattfoley6082]

Real musicians. No computers. No autotune. Sit back and learn, kiddies.