Black Inspirations: Cory Henry on Sly and the Family Stone

For the month of February, in celebration of Black History Month on XPN, we’re presenting a new series called Black Inspirations. We’ve asked contemporary Black artists to share some of their influences from the Black music vanguard. The series continues today with a testimonial from Cory Henry.

Brooklyn songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Cory Henry, a former member of Snarky Puppy, traces his R&B and soul roots back to Sly and the Family Stone, the groundbreaking San Francisco psychedelic funk collective of the 60s and 70s. Here’s what Henry had to say.

Sly was an unabideable organ player and took the instrument to so many places. He led a band of impeccable musicians. His style was unmatched, so clean and way ahead of his time. He has written songs that the entire world sings today. His music represents the sound of soul and every time I listen to it my soul is touched and I hope it does for you too

Below, listen to Cory Henry’s favorite Sly and the Family Stone songs, chosen for Black Inspirations on WXPN.