Back in Time Today
Larry Graham changed music forever with one simple innovation – slap bass. This thunderous technique transformed the sound of funk and soul, creating the backbone for generations of dance music.
From his early days with Sly and the Family Stone to leading Graham Central Station and his solo career, Larry’s bass playing has been nothing short of revolutionary.
1. Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) – Sly and the Family Stone
The bass line that launched a thousand bands. Graham’s revolutionary technique on this 1969 classic wasn’t just playing notes—it was percussion and melody fused into one unstoppable force. That distinctive ‘thump and pluck’ sound came from necessity when Larry had to compensate for the absence of a drummer in an early band. What began as adaptation became innovation. The song’s irresistible groove set the template for funk’s future, influencing everyone from Parliament-Funkadelic to Prince. When that bass kicks in at the beginning, you’re hearing the exact moment modern funk was born.
2. Hair – Graham Central Station
Raw, unfiltered funk energy erupts from this 1974 Graham Central Station track. The song opens with Larry’s bass practically speaking in tongues before the band crashes in with wild abandon. Graham’s playing here isn’t just technical—it’s theatrical. His bass growls, whispers, shouts, and testifies throughout the track, demonstrating why he’s considered the holy grail of funk bassists. Beyond just slapping, notice how he uses space and silence to create tension. The psychedelic elements blend perfectly with the earthy funk foundation, creating a sound that’s both grounded and cosmic simultaneously.
3. Release Yourself – Graham Central Station
Spiritual liberation meets dance floor revolution in this uplifting anthem. Graham’s background in his mother’s pentecostal church shines through as gospel call-and-response vocals float above his earth-shaking bass foundation. The track builds like a Sunday service, starting with restrained groove before ascending to ecstatic heights. His bass playing demonstrates remarkable restraint here—knowing exactly when to hold back and when to unleash fury. At over eight minutes long, the song creates a communal experience that transcends mere listening. This wasn’t just funk—it was a musical ministry with Larry’s bass as the pulpit.
4. The Jam – Graham Central Station
Funk as pure exploration unfolds across this nearly ten-minute odyssey. Graham doesn’t just play bass here—he conducts a masterclass in groove sustainability, proving he could maintain a hypnotic pocket indefinitely. The song feels less composed than discovered, like the band tapped into something eternal. Larry’s bass sounds almost liquid, flowing between structured patterns and improvisational flourishes with effortless mastery. Musicians still study this track to understand how Graham achieves such rhythmic propulsion while maintaining melodic interest. It’s the funk equivalent of a marathon runner who somehow sprints the entire distance.
5. One in a Million You – Larry Graham (Solo)
Graham steps out from behind the thunderous bass to reveal his silky-smooth vocal talents in this 1980 soul ballad. The song showcased his remarkable versatility, proving the funk master could deliver heart-melting romance with equal expertise. His bass takes a supportive role here, providing gentle foundation rather than starring attraction. That restraint demonstrates true musical maturity—knowing when not to play is as important as knowing what to play. The track’s crossover success introduced Graham to entirely new audiences who might have missed his funk innovations. Its timeless quality makes it a staple at weddings decades later.
6. Pow – Graham Central Station
Explosive is the only word for this high-octane funk sprint. At just over two minutes, it delivers more musical excitement than most songs triple its length. Graham’s bass technique here borders on percussive violence—strings slapped with such authority they practically beg for mercy. The song’s title perfectly captures the impact of each note hitting your ears like sonic punches. Musicians often use this track as a technical benchmark, similar to how guitarists might approach Van Halen’s ‘Eruption.’ Beyond the technical fireworks, there’s ingenious composition at work—proving Graham wasn’t just a virtuoso performer but a forward-thinking musical architect.
7. Can You Handle It? – Graham Central Station
Audacious funk-rock fusion that challenges listeners from its very title. Graham’s bass tone here is particularly noteworthy—distorted and aggressive, pushing boundaries of what bass could sound like in the mid-70s. The track’s structure brilliantly balances chaos and control, creating tension that never fully resolves. Larry’s playing demonstrates remarkable dynamics, moving from whisper-quiet passages to thunderous explosions without warning. While other funk bassists were content to hold down the groove, Graham consistently pushed for bass as lead instrument. This track stands as compelling evidence that in the right hands, bass could drive both rhythm and melody simultaneously.
8. Feel the Need – Graham Central Station
Sensuality drips from every note of this smooth funk seduction. Unlike his more aggressive slap workouts, Graham demonstrates remarkable subtlety here, letting his bass lines breathe with patient, melodic phrases. The song creates an intimate atmosphere that feels like a private conversation between musician and listener. His bass playing exhibits masterful control of dynamics and space—knowing exactly when to play and when to let silence speak. This track showcases Graham’s gift for turning technical prowess into emotional expression. While many bassists could play fast, few could make their instrument sing with such genuine feeling and warmth.
9. It Ain’t No Fun to Me – Sly and the Family Stone
Deceptive simplicity masks the genius behind this laid-back Sly and the Family Stone groove. Graham’s bass work here exemplifies his early approach—before his slap technique fully evolved but already showing revolutionary instincts. Listen carefully to how his bass lines interact with the drums, creating pockets so deep you could fall into them. The song’s relaxed tempo allows you to appreciate the precision of his note placement and rhythmic intuition. Many bassists can play complex lines, but Graham’s gift was making even simple patterns feel monumental. This track demonstrates how his playing could simultaneously support a song while quietly stealing the show.
10. We’ve Been Waiting – Graham Central Station
Optimism courses through this overlooked gem from Graham Central Station’s catalog. The track opens with Larry’s bass bubbling underneath like a wellspring of positive energy before erupting into full-band celebration. His tone here is particularly worth noting—warm, round and woody, showcasing a different side from his more aggressive slap sound. The song’s arrangement demonstrates Graham’s gift for composition beyond just bass playing. Few funk songs manage to feel both nostalgic and forward-looking simultaneously. This track captures the hopeful spirit of 70s funk while avoiding clichés, creating a timeless quality that still resonates decades later.
11. Water – Graham Central Station
Musical philosophy unfolds through this metaphor-rich slow burner. Graham’s bass provides both foundation and narrative voice, guiding listeners through the song’s thoughtful journey. The track demonstrates Larry’s gift for creating space within music—allowing individual notes to resonate fully before moving forward. His technique here is less about flash and more about tone and timing, proving mastery doesn’t always require maximum notes. Beyond technical considerations, the song showcases Graham’s conceptual depth. Just as water takes many forms, his playing here flows between supportive accompaniment and melodic lead with fluid grace.
12. Prince & Larry Graham – Everyday People (Live Jam Sessions)
Musical history manifests when student meets teacher in these legendary jam sessions. Prince never hid his profound admiration for Graham, crediting him as primary influence on his own revolutionary bass approach. Their chemistry during these performances reveals deep mutual respect. Watch how Prince—himself a musical genius—defers to Graham during bass passages, acknowledging the master at work. Beyond technical brilliance, these collaborations demonstrate how Graham’s innovations traveled through generations. Seeing them perform Sly’s classic together creates a perfect circle of influence and inspiration, connecting different eras of funk through shared musical DNA.