The Roots’ own Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson will be directing a documentary about the life of Sly Stone, founding member of legendary funk band, Sly and the Family Stone.
The untitled feature film “follows the story of the influential artist, king of funk, and fashion icon Sly Stone, a musician who was breaking all the rules at a time when doing so was extremely challenging, even dangerous. The pressure of explosive mainstream pop success and the responsibility of representing Black America forced him to walk the fine line of impossible expectations.”
“It goes beyond saying that Sly’s creative legacy is in my DNA,” said Questlove in a press release. “….it’s a black musician’s blueprint….to be given the honor to explore his history and legacy is beyond a dream for me.”
“Sly’s influence on popular music and culture as a whole is immeasurable, and what his career represents is a parable that transcends time and place,” expressed Amit Dey, Head of MRC Non-Fiction. “Questlove’s vision, sensitivity and reverence brings the urgency that Sly’s story and music deserve, and we’re excited to be working with him to bring Sly’s story to life.”
The project will mark the four-time Grammy Award-winning artist’s second directorial project (see his Sundance award-winning Summer of Soul) by way of his Two One Five Entertainment production company. Award-winning actor and rapper Common will serve as an executive producer via his Star Child Productions along with Derek Dudley and Shelby Stone via ID8 Multimedia. Derik Murray and Brian Gersh of Network Entertainment will serve as producers with Zarah Zohlman and Shawn Gee as producing partners.
The film’s official title and release date has not been announced.
Earlier today in partnership with BET Digital and Sony Music’s “This Is Black” Black History Month campaign, an animated music video for the group’s 1968 hit single, “Everyday People.” Revisit the classic song down below.
