WUSB Remembers: Sly Stone and Brian Wilson

Recently, DJs of WUSB paid tribute to the late singer-songwriters Sly Stone and Brian Wilson. Over 80 songs have been broadcasted to recognize the cultural impact that both musicians have presented within their discographies.

Honoring the History

Sly Stone

Sly Stone is best known for being the frontman of the American rock band, Sly and the Family Stone. Originating from the city of San Francisco in California, the band was known for fusing soul and funk music styles with psychedelic rock during the counterculture era of the 1960s. Additionally, the group was one of the first major American rock bands to have a line-up consisting of both black and white musicians. The band helped to destigmatize racial barriers within the music business of the late 1960s.

Brian Wilson

Brian Wilson has been extensively known as a prodigy of music production within the 20th-century. Wilson was a co-founder of The Beach Boys, an American rock band known for being an early pioneer of surf music within the 1960s. However, most people know about their album Pet Sounds, which was released in May of 1966. Brian Wilson was the main producer of Pet Sounds, and he included all sorts of instrumentation ranging from sleigh bells to coca-cola cans with sticks. Even today, Pet Sounds is widely known for being a major turning point within pop music production.

Fun Fact! The Beach Boys have made a presence within the Stony Brook campus. The band performed at the Student Activities Center on September 26th, 1971, and at the Staller Center on April 29th, 2004.

Sly Stone and Brian Wilson peacefully passed away at the age of 82 during the month of June, accompanied by family and friends. Stone passed away on Monday, June 9th, with Wilson passing away two days later on Wednesday, June 11th.

Albums such as Stand! and Smiley Smile, were in-rotation throughout June.

“Their thoughts, ideas, and impeccable talent will never be forgotten. Sly Stone brought us together with his pride. Brian Wilson spoke to us about love and human connection.”

- Andrew S. / DJ “Drew”