Larry Graham, Jr. is an American baritone singer, musician, songwriter, and record producer. He is best known as both the bass guitar player in the popular and influential psychedelic soul/funk band Sly & the Family Stone, and as the founder and front man of Graham Central Station. He is credited with the invention of the slapping technique, which radically expanded the tonal palette of the bass, although he himself refers to the technique as "Thumpin and Pluckin." In 1968 Larry joined Sly and the Family Stone. Their first album “A Whole New Thing” provided a way for people all over the country to hear Larry's unique bass playing. Their next album had a number of hit singles such as "Dance to the Music" and "Everybody Is a Star," both of which allowed his voice as well as his thumping & plucking bass style to be heard around the globe. In 1993 Larry was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Sly and the Family Stone.Larry is continuously writing (which he will always do) and he along with the rest of Sly and the Family Stone received the Rhythm and Blues “Pioneer Award” in 2001. Larry has also performed at international venues both as a solo performer as well as with Graham Central Station and Prince.
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