"Everybody Is a Star" by Sly & the Family Stone

“Everybody Is a Star” is a gorgeous psychedelic-soul ballad that Sly & the Family Stone released in December of 1969. The powerful anthem is about equality, self-worth and human dignity. Its main theme is that every individual has inherent worth, no matter what their social station, income level, race, religion or ethnicity; and also that people should remain true to themselves and not try to change who they are to conform to what society or the powers that be tell them they should be: “I love you for who you are/Not the one you feel you need to be.”

The vocals on this track are absolutely stunning. Sly Stone, Freddie Stone, Larry Graham and Rose Stone trade off on lead vocals, and they all bring the fire. This song highlights just how formidable the vocal talent was in Sly & the Family Stone at the time. And the horn charts are magnificent. The song also features some of the most beautifully poetic lyrics that Sly has ever written. Additionally, the musical arrangement is superb, and the production is flawless.

“Everybody Is a Star” was written and produced by Sly and released on Epic Records. It was released as the B-side of the band’s influential funk classic "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin).” It’s also included on their 1970 Greatest Hits compilation album and the two-disc best of/career overview The Essential Sly & the Family Stone (2002).

“Everybody Is a Star” has been covered by a host of well-known artists, including The Pointer Sisters, The Jackson 5, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Joan Osborne, Fishbone (featuring Gwen Stefani) and Al Jarreau and Miki Howard. It has been sampled by Madonna (“Everybody 1994”) and The Roots (“Star/Pointro”). And it has been featured on the soundtracks for the films Crooklyn (1994), Moonlight Mile (2002) and Molly’s Game (2017). The song was also performed in a 1977 episode of The Brady Bunch Variety Hour.

The players on “Everybody Is a Star” were Sly Stone (vocals, keyboards), Cynthia Robinson (trumpet), Larry Graham (vocals, bass), Rose Stone (vocals, piano),Greg Errico (drums), Freddie Stone (vocals, guitar) and Jerry Martini (saxophone).

Earth, Wind & Fire’s 1975 chart-topping smash “Shining Star” has a similar theme to "Everybody Is a Star," that all individuals have value no matter who they are. Sly & the Family Stone were a major influence on EWF and many other funk artists and bands from the '70s to the present.

"Everybody Is a Star is available at Amazon

Related blog entries:

"Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)": Sly & The Family Stone's Groundbreaking Funk Classic

Review of Sly & The Family Stone's Stand!