He started out playing bass for Sly Stone. Later he played bass for Prince. And in between he founded his own band Graham Central Station. Larry Graham is a musician’s musician, and one of the best bass players of all time.
Here’s some FUNK history: The godfather !!!! GOAT !!! Larry Graham came up with the slap,thump,and pop style while playing with his mother who was a church organist.During times when they didn’t have drums, Larry would slap the strings to get some percussion to go along with the notes helping to keep time. I owe much of my style and technique to Graham and learned a lot about playing funk music while playing with Graham Central station drummer Willie “Wild” Sparks RIP… one of the funkiest drummers ever ! You know you had to be a bad dude if you were Larry Grahams drummer ! Just a bit of history for ya…
And without that damn rapping! I'm not even sure there are any young Black males that know how to sing anymore. All they know is rapping and using the n-word.
I could be wrong, but singers of the past sung with feeling, and I don't think the singers of today can channel into that. It seems to be more about hitting the right note.
@@true1evaniqueIf they even can hit the right note without the help of Autotune. Some of today's singers do have the chops, but they are either influenced by America's Got Talent or whatever T.V. show, or they feel like they have to assert a macho attitude to stay "street". Reply
I worked in a tech support company a few years ago with a lot of very young dudes. I asked one of them during a lull one day what music he liked to slow dance to with his lady. He looked at me as if I had just arrived from Jupiter. Young 'uns today have no idea!!
Few people realize this musical icon was the bass player in Sly and The family Stone and the uncle of Drake!....his brother (Drake's dad) played drums with Jerry Lee Lewis.....there's a family of talent!
Wife here.., What a Beautiful Song for the ears....And that Flute.., WOW what an AMAZING voice...Smooooth for sure!!...Love it!!!...That voice was soooo Suave!!..Agree 💯🌹
OMG this song takes me back to my childhood under the age of 10. It was played at just about every black wedding (mostly the reception) I attended.. I know they played it at my aunt's wedding, her best friend's wedding, and her other friend's wedding. It brings me to tears now hearing it after all these years because those people are gone.
As previously mentioned, Larry Graham is credited as the one who first introduced the bass guitar technique that's popularly called "Slap Bass", (although Larry refers to it as "Thumpin' & Pluckin'"), and the song he first used it on was a Sly & The Family Stone funk tune titled "Thank You Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin" in 1969. He was the (bassist/vocalist) for Sly from 1967-72...Leader of his own Funk band "Graham Central Station" from 1973-78...and made his solo debut with "One In A Million" in 1980, which was somewhat of a departure from his (upbeat Funk style) to such a beautiful ballad, which also turned out to be his biggest hit...By the way, if you type in ("slap bass") on TH-cam, you'll see the massive impact that Larry Graham has had on an endless number of bass players around the world....(Trivia): Larry Graham just so happens to be "Drake's" uncle. Good reaction!
Larry formed the group Graham central station with the family stone members...and yes...they are funk..and its great...gotta look it up....ain't no bout a doubt it....check it out
We drove from CA to TN that summer and this song followed us on the radio all the way across. This and Shining Star by The Manhattans were the smooth jams in 1980.
React to "Try Again" (1983) by the group, Champaign. It's a great love song about a man who realizes he was neglecting to give his wife the simple things to make her happy, and how they were able to easily able to rekindle the flame because the embers of their love were always there waiting to be sparked ablaze again. It's a great song. Another great song by them is, "How 'Bout Us".
awww this song will always remind me of my mom who passed last year. she used to sing this song all the time. thanks for reacting to this…i love this song
Larry's band (Graham Central Station) has a song called "It Ain't Nothing But A Warner Bros. Party" that has the Doobie Brothers & Tower Of Power on it. Some more Quiet Storm songs are: O'Bryan - You And I / Phyllis Hyman - No One Can Love You More / Ray, Goodman & Brown - Inside Of You / Bar-Kays - Anticipation / Bloodstone - Natural High / Johnnie Taylor - I Believe In You / Peaches & Herb - Reunited / Malo - Suavecito / Stacy Lattisaw & Johnny Gill - Perfect Combination / Johnny Mathis & Deniece Williams - Too Much, Too Little, Too Late
How can anyone not feel fabulous when hearing his beautiful voice? Talent! An emotional tribute for one's true love. It usually brings tears to my eyes. Bless you both!❤
I have a lot of extended relatives and we were close growing up so there was always a christening, wedding or birthday and this song was always on the playlist. A lot of these songs that you react to it brings back memories but not of lost love or heartbreak but of times spent with family. I would hear them and instantly go back to that time. Who was dancing, who was just against the wall or by the door just looking in, who was playing. It was the best of times. I miss those times cause a lot of the people both young and old some have died and some have moved far away and you no longer have that connection you once had.
A stunning ballad...my heart swells as if hearing it for the first time.... again. The writing is poetic and beautifully crafted. Graham Central Station and Mr. Graham's resume' speak for itself. Big talent.
This song from 1980 was a surprise and a welcome side from Sir Larry Graham. After being a part of funk and soul pioneers Sly & The Family Stone( one of the first real funk bands and probably the first multi racial band also) in the 60’s and early 70’s, Larry went on to be a funk master with his own band Graham Centrel Station in the 70’s. So this song was a smooth and soulful romantic transition for him, at least to our ears. It went on to be a huge R&B hit and is still played on the classic R&B radio stations to this day. Fun fact- you are looking at the pioneer of bass thumping, Larry Graham started it and set off a whole generation of legendary funk bass players , like Booty Collins from Parliament( and his own band Boosty’s Rubberband ) and the legendary Louis Johnson of The Brothers Johnson , and funk jams like “Slide” from the funk band Slave, y’all should check out all of them!
He has another slow jam called Just be my lady. If you want to hear him beat up a bass, I believe the tune is called Jam. He also played a lot with Prince.
Larry Graham’s voice reminds me of Lou Rawls, so deep and rich. My dad sang this song at my aunt’s wedding, it really is a perfect love song and set the perfect tone for the marriage. ❤
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I've been waiting for this. Finally! My favorite song in life. He has another beautiful song called "when we get married".
This song was so loved by all the of women in my family along with my best friend's mother. I remember playing this on saxophone for my sister's wedding. Larry Graham is a music genius. A fantastic song!
In a similar vein is James Ingram, "Just Once" and "One Hundred Ways". Or any song by Debarge "All this Love", "Time will Reveal" and "Love me in A Special Way"
This song and "Always & Forever" are two of the most played love songs I heard so many times growing up in the early 80s. Lots of people used them as their wedding songs.. Also.. You & I by Stevie Wonder!!
Thanks for introducing me to a new song and artist, really smooth. Have y'all listened to any Lou Rawls? "You'll Never Find is a standout and I always enjoy hearing it. Smooth and rich voice.
This song still resonates with me even 30 years later. I haven't heard it in a very long time but still know every word, and every rise and fall of his velvety voice. So glad you appreciate this classic.
This song was Larry Graham's very first and only r&b crossover hit as a solo artist. The song went all the way to hit the #1 spot on the Billboard Soul chart and it peaked at the #9 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart around the summer of 1980. This guy has a great baritone voice indeed.
Yes please on more Sly and the Family Stone! For one of the greatest bass lines ever, check out "If You Want Me To Stay". Other great songs are "Everyday People", "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)", "Family Affair", "Hot Fun In The Summertime", "Stand!" They've got a lot of hits. All Good!
Larry Graham is largely considered the creator of the slap bass style. He stated that when he and his mother played in church (her on piano and him on bass), because they needed percussion he started slapping and plucking the bass strings as he played, thus the slap bass style. Some Sly & the Family Stone songs to check out: "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)," "Sing a Simple Song," "Family Affair," "Dance to the Music," "Hot Fun in the Summertime," "Everyday People" and "If You Want Me to Stay." From Larry Graham's band Graham Central Station: "Can You Handle It," "The Jam," "Your Love," "I Can't Stand the Rain," "Hair" and "Ain't No Fun to Me."
Amber & Jordan, the first ☝️ time that I ever heard 👂 Larry Graham's One ☝️ In A Million 💴 You was on a wedding 💒 that I went too n that was the song 🎶 that the bride 👰♂️ & groom 🤵♂️ dance 💃 too as their solo dance 💃 on their wedding 💒. I told the DJ, dude who sings 🎤 this song 🎶 n he told me Larry Graham n I said that is a top wedding 💒 hit. Glad that U guys reacted to this song. Good Job!!!
Thank you for reacting to this one. I have mentioned it a couple of times. I love Larry Graham's voice. He has one of the most crisp, clear bass voices that I have ever heard. I'm glad you did this one
I am so happy you and your family is alright. Thank you for playing this song. Happy childhood memories abounds. Please play these two Larry Graham songs, "When We Get Married" and "Just Be My Lady". Continue to be safe you two.
Since y'all liked that so much you'll absolutely love "Just be my Lady"! BTW, I think he's the greatest bass player I love his band Graham Central Station "Can you Handle It" is a good place to start that trip and yes they were funky.
He started out playing bass for Sly Stone. Later he played bass for Prince. And in between he founded his own band Graham Central Station. Larry Graham is a musician’s musician, and one of the best bass players of all time.
The first I heard from them was 'The Jam'.
He also played briefly with Ike and Tina.
He invented the pop and slap style on the electric bass.
Here’s some FUNK history: The godfather !!!! GOAT !!! Larry Graham came up with the slap,thump,and pop style while playing with his mother who was a church organist.During times when they didn’t have drums, Larry would slap the strings to get some percussion to go along with the notes helping to keep time. I owe much of my style and technique to Graham and learned a lot about playing funk music while playing with Graham Central station drummer Willie “Wild” Sparks RIP… one of the funkiest drummers ever ! You know you had to be a bad dude if you were Larry Grahams drummer !
Just a bit of history for ya…
GCS the baddest group from East to West
Every man in the club would try to serenade you with this song while slow dancing. 😃 😀 😄
This song is so beautiful. Larry's voice is deep and soothing. Every words has feeling.
I wish people still released songs like this and sang like this. Amber nailed it, it's masculine. Just a perfect love song.
And without that damn rapping! I'm not even sure there are any young Black males that know how to sing anymore. All they know is rapping and using the n-word.
I could be wrong, but singers of the past sung with feeling, and I don't think the singers of today can channel into that. It seems to be more about hitting the right note.
@@true1evaniqueIf they even can hit the right note without the help of Autotune. Some of today's singers do have the chops, but they are either influenced by America's Got Talent or whatever T.V. show, or they feel like they have to assert a macho attitude to stay "street".
Reply
I worked in a tech support company a few years ago with a lot of very young dudes. I asked one of them during a lull one day what music he liked to slow dance to with his lady. He looked at me as if I had just arrived from Jupiter. Young 'uns today have no idea!!
Probably my ONE OF THE MY VERY FEW FAVORITE LOVE SONGS EVER in the 80's. A very beautiful piece....CLASSIC!
Larry has always had a beautiful voice.
When he played bass with Sly and the Family Stone, Larry invented the thumb pop bass style.
Few people realize this musical icon was the bass player in Sly and The family Stone and the uncle of Drake!....his brother (Drake's dad) played drums with Jerry Lee Lewis.....there's a family of talent!
I was gonna say…totally looks like Drakes Dad 😆
Wife here.., What a Beautiful Song for the ears....And that Flute.., WOW what an AMAZING voice...Smooooth for sure!!...Love it!!!...That voice was soooo Suave!!..Agree 💯🌹
OMG this song takes me back to my childhood under the age of 10. It was played at just about every black wedding (mostly the reception) I attended.. I know they played it at my aunt's wedding, her best friend's wedding, and her other friend's wedding. It brings me to tears now hearing it after all these years because those people are gone.
I feel you…🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
As previously mentioned, Larry Graham is credited as the one who first introduced the bass guitar technique that's popularly called "Slap Bass", (although Larry refers to it as "Thumpin' & Pluckin'"), and the song he first used it on was a Sly & The Family Stone funk tune titled "Thank You Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin" in 1969. He was the (bassist/vocalist) for Sly from 1967-72...Leader of his own Funk band "Graham Central Station" from 1973-78...and made his solo debut with "One In A Million" in 1980, which was somewhat of a departure from his (upbeat Funk style) to such a beautiful ballad, which also turned out to be his biggest hit...By the way, if you type in ("slap bass") on TH-cam, you'll see the massive impact that Larry Graham has had on an endless number of bass players around the world....(Trivia): Larry Graham just so happens to be "Drake's" uncle. Good reaction!
This song is so beautiful. Always brings me to tears.
Larry formed the group Graham central station with the family stone members...and yes...they are funk..and its great...gotta look it up....ain't no bout a doubt it....check it out
I’d forgotten about this song. Yes, it’s beautiful! 😊🎶
We drove from CA to TN that summer and this song followed us on the radio all the way across. This and Shining Star by The Manhattans were the smooth jams in 1980.
Back in the day, EVERYONE was seriously crushing on this dude.
I haven't heard this in years! I've always loved this song... y'all got me singing to my wife. thanks!
Awesome!!
React to "Try Again" (1983) by the group, Champaign.
It's a great love song about a man who realizes he was neglecting to give his wife the simple things to make her happy, and how they were able to easily able to rekindle the flame because the embers of their love were always there waiting to be sparked ablaze again. It's a great song. Another great song by them is, "How 'Bout Us".
Such a wonderful song!! Melts my heart. It gave me hope that I would be lucky enough to find real love. And I did 24 years ago.❤
Peter ...in this crazy world?
@@michaelasay8587 I struck gold! Very lucky. Still a lot of work. Nothing worth having comes easy.❤️
awww this song will always remind me of my mom who passed last year. she used to sing this song all the time. thanks for reacting to this…i love this song
RIP to your mom.
Larry's band (Graham Central Station) has a song called "It Ain't Nothing But A Warner Bros. Party" that has the Doobie Brothers & Tower Of Power on it. Some more Quiet Storm songs are: O'Bryan - You And I / Phyllis Hyman - No One Can Love You More / Ray, Goodman & Brown - Inside Of You / Bar-Kays - Anticipation / Bloodstone - Natural High / Johnnie Taylor - I Believe In You / Peaches & Herb - Reunited / Malo - Suavecito / Stacy Lattisaw & Johnny Gill - Perfect Combination / Johnny Mathis & Deniece Williams - Too Much, Too Little, Too Late
Man, what a great song this really is. Always makes you feel good when you hear it ♥️
How can anyone not feel fabulous when hearing his beautiful voice? Talent!
An emotional tribute for one's true love. It usually brings tears to my eyes.
Bless you both!❤
I have a lot of extended relatives and we were close growing up so there was always a christening, wedding or birthday and this song was always on the playlist. A lot of these songs that you react to it brings back memories but not of lost love or heartbreak but of times spent with family. I would hear them and instantly go back to that time. Who was dancing, who was just against the wall or by the door just looking in, who was playing. It was the best of times. I miss those times cause a lot of the people both young and old some have died and some have moved far away and you no longer have that connection you once had.
Seriously amazing musician
A stunning ballad...my heart swells as if hearing it for the first time.... again. The writing is poetic and beautifully crafted.
Graham Central Station and Mr. Graham's resume' speak for itself. Big talent.
Love Larry Graham..."Just Be My Lady" for another sweet song by him
One in a Million You, and I Believe in You and Me by the Four Tops...I could just cry, they're both so beautiful.
This might be the greatest song I ever heard
So glad you reviewed this. Haven’t hear it in decades❤
Another beautiful song to listen to is 'With You I'm Born Again' by Billy Preston and Syreeta Wright.
I love that song!!! If you like that version, you will appreciate Kenny Lattimore and Chante Moore’s
She was Stevie Wonder's wife. She died young from cancer.
Incredible...
This song from 1980 was a surprise and a welcome side from Sir Larry Graham. After being a part of funk and soul pioneers Sly & The Family Stone( one of the first real funk bands and probably the first multi racial band also) in the 60’s and early 70’s, Larry went on to be a funk master with his own band Graham Centrel Station in the 70’s. So this song was a smooth and soulful romantic transition for him, at least to our ears. It went on to be a huge R&B hit and is still played on the classic R&B radio stations to this day.
Fun fact- you are looking at the pioneer of bass thumping, Larry Graham started it and set off a whole generation of legendary funk bass players , like Booty Collins from Parliament( and his own band Boosty’s Rubberband ) and the legendary Louis Johnson of The Brothers Johnson , and funk jams like “Slide” from the funk band Slave, y’all should check out all of them!
He has another slow jam called Just be my lady. If you want to hear him beat up a bass, I believe the tune is called Jam. He also played a lot with Prince.
What an incredible ballad and voice.
Love this song! MORE 70'S R&B! Try Blackbyrds "Walking in Rhythm " - smooth harmonies!!
I love "Walking in Rhythm"! Amazing!
Just be my lady. Is another great love song. By Larry Graham
Love it 😍 love it was popular when I was in high school, graduated in 1966😉
Larry is a musical genius, he can get funky and smooth!!!!!!!
Another Larry Graham gem is When We Get Married.
Another big hit from my childhood. That great voice deserved more fame.
That voice is to die for! Smoothhh! Love this song! I’m sure Sly missed his brother!
Forgive me for the intrusion but do you know if robsquad does prize giveaways?
@@tonyallen9035 ….I believe they may do that but I’m not very trusting so I don’t respond!
I am surprised by how many have not heard this song! Last year, I sang it to my daughter at her wedding, , She and my wife were surprised!
Larry Graham’s voice reminds me of Lou Rawls, so deep and rich. My dad sang this song at my aunt’s wedding, it really is a perfect love song and set the perfect tone for the marriage. ❤
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I've been waiting for this. Finally! My favorite song in life. He has another beautiful song called "when we get married".
This song was so loved by all the of women in my family along with my best friend's mother. I remember playing this on saxophone for my sister's wedding. Larry Graham is a music genius. A fantastic song!
What a voice.
I have this song on a 45’ record from the year it was released. I thought he was gorgeous.
I have the album on vinyl
Thank you for reacting to this beautiful song. I had forgotten all about it and it is never played on on 1980's streaming stations. And it should be.
I remember Larry Graham appearing on American Bandstand doing this song and how Dick Clark remarked on what a handsome man he was. He was!
Beautiful song ❤️😍❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for sharing this with a new generation. We were quite young when we fell in love with this, so enjoy at all ages!
In a similar vein is James Ingram, "Just Once" and "One Hundred Ways". Or any song by Debarge "All this Love", "Time will Reveal" and "Love me in A Special Way"
When this came out it very much touched my heart, just a very great song. I’m sure so many who heard this and found their love were also touched.
He has the voice of an angel! OMG beautiful ❤️
This is a very good song, I've always lived this song, the lyrics, his voice. Thank you for reacting to it!
Just so silky smooth. Loved it then and still love it now.
I used to sing this song to my Dad back in the day. Dad was one in a million to me. Great memories!
Very beautiful song. This song always makes me think of the way my wonderful husband always makes me feel.
This was the song my husband and I danced to at our wedding! Married in 1980…my husband passed away in 2017😢
This song and "Always & Forever" are two of the most played love songs I heard so many times growing up in the early 80s. Lots of people used them as their wedding songs..
Also.. You & I by Stevie Wonder!!
I saw Larry with his band Graham Central Station. Absolutely awesome!
You guys don't know how correct you are. This song was in so many weddings when it came out.
Thanks for introducing me to a new song and artist, really smooth. Have y'all listened to any Lou Rawls? "You'll Never Find is a standout and I always enjoy hearing it. Smooth and rich voice.
This song was HUGE. This man has the voice. Just stellar. We all fell in love with this back then.
Jay & Amber, I'm glad y'all are safe. Larry Graham beautiful song. "Just Be My Lady" another great song.
ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SONGS OF ALL
I love this one. They used to put it on in our roller rink for the couple's choice at the skating rink.
My ALL TIME best SOUL suave singer!
I HIGHLY recommend:
“When We Get Married”
“Just Be My Lady”
Both by Larry Graham
What a beautiful love song.
Love me some Grand Central Station!!!
Larry on his own is great as well!
Larry Graham, Graham central station. Awesome Bass player. He played with some Of the greats.
Larry. reminds me a lot of the late great Lou Rawls. Listen to Lou and tell me if I'm wrong.Smooth as silk.I love this song .great reaction guys 😊
So glad you and your family are all safe and sound. ❤
His voice is so intoxicating; gives me happy goosebumps every time I hear this song! ❤😊
This song still resonates with me even 30 years later. I haven't heard it in a very long time but still know every word, and every rise and fall of his velvety voice. So glad you appreciate this classic.
This song was Larry Graham's very first and only r&b crossover hit as a solo artist. The song went all the way to hit the #1 spot on the Billboard Soul chart and it peaked at the #9 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart around the summer of 1980. This guy has a great baritone voice indeed.
Too bad songs like "Just Be My Lady" and his version of "When We Get Married" didn't get as much attention
Yes please on more Sly and the Family Stone! For one of the greatest bass lines ever, check out "If You Want Me To Stay". Other great songs are "Everyday People", "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)", "Family Affair", "Hot Fun In The Summertime", "Stand!" They've got a lot of hits. All Good!
Wow it's bin long time since I herd this song. Beautiful. Glad you guy's are doing well. God bless
My uncle sang this to my aunt at their wedding when I was a little girl. He could sing his face off & it was a beautiful moment.
Just simply beautiful!
Great job, guys! I LOVE this song. Makes me cry every time.
Classic r&b song still played today
Larry Graham is largely considered the creator of the slap bass style. He stated that when he and his mother played in church (her on piano and him on bass), because they needed percussion he started slapping and plucking the bass strings as he played, thus the slap bass style. Some Sly & the Family Stone songs to check out: "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)," "Sing a Simple Song," "Family Affair," "Dance to the Music," "Hot Fun in the Summertime," "Everyday People" and "If You Want Me to Stay." From Larry Graham's band Graham Central Station: "Can You Handle It," "The Jam," "Your Love," "I Can't Stand the Rain," "Hair" and "Ain't No Fun to Me."
"If You Want Me To Stay" by Sly and the Family Stone off of their Fresh album. First album I ever bought myself when I was ten.
Wish we had music like this now. Pure talent and beautiful lyrics that had meaning. This is beautiful. Thank you for this. 👏👏🇨🇦
Amen!
Without even listening to your reaction (which I will). When my Beautiful daughter was born. I sang this to her at 2:09 when she was born at 2:07
When this song came out, it was the most popular song in weddings.❤
Amber & Jordan, the first ☝️ time that I ever heard 👂 Larry Graham's One ☝️ In A Million 💴 You was on a wedding 💒 that I went too n that was the song 🎶 that the bride 👰♂️ & groom 🤵♂️ dance 💃 too as their solo dance 💃 on their wedding 💒. I told the DJ, dude who sings 🎤 this song 🎶 n he told me Larry Graham n I said that is a top wedding 💒 hit. Glad that U guys reacted to this song. Good Job!!!
The message in the song shouldn't be missed. So wonderful.
Thank you for reacting to this one. I have mentioned it a couple of times. I love Larry Graham's voice. He has one of the most crisp, clear bass voices that I have ever heard. I'm glad you did this one
I am so happy you and your family is alright. Thank you for playing this song. Happy childhood memories abounds. Please play these two Larry Graham songs, "When We Get Married" and "Just Be My Lady". Continue to be safe you two.
Thanks Jay and Amber that’s why I love you guys keep it up guys stay with it
Love his deep voice!
I think I always thought this was Jefferey Osbourne...what a voice!!! Great song!!!
Graham Central Station! They'll have you chair dancing in no time. Larry Graham and his slap bass style is fire! 🔥 ✌
Since y'all liked that so much you'll absolutely love "Just be my Lady"! BTW, I think he's the greatest bass player I love his band Graham Central Station "Can you Handle It" is a good place to start that trip and yes they were funky.
Had to listen a second time. Love this song so much. ❤️
he has a voice similar to Lou Rawls,beautiful sound and song.
My mom's best friend used this as her wedding song in 1980
One of my favorite love songs, ever! And talk about slow dancing, man.
The guys in my middle school choir sang this song. I had no idea who Larry Graham was or had I ever heard this song, but have been a fan ever since.
Such a beautiful song hard to think of one more moving actually...
Larry Graham started with Sly & the Family Stone. He was the deep voice on "Hot Fun in the Summertime".
This was the only song that calmed my 9 month old when he was really sick. He is now 45 😊.