There's a Riot Going On

by Jeff Kaliss

The first in-depth biography of the legendary rock star, on the heels of a comeback. Author Jeff Kaliss scored the first face-to-face interview with the reclusive superstar in over twenty years, making this book a must-read for any rock 'n roll fan. From his anthemic early hits ("I Want to Take You Higher," "Family Affair," "Dance to the Music") that powered Woodstock, through the moody meditations of "There's a Riot Going On" and beyond, Sly and the Family Stone have left an indelible stamp on rock, funk, pop, and hip-hop. The story follows the evolution and dissolution of Sly and the Family Stone, from local favorites to global rock stars under the threat of drugs and self-delusion. Sly is truly an innovator and a giant, and the demand for him has never been higher. Celebrated at the 2006 Grammys and in a new boxed set of CDs, Sly and the Family Stone has nevertheless eleuded full and sympathetic understannding by its several generations of fans. Finally, this year, he is beginning to perform again, and Kaliss is on the scene with accounts of Sly and his former Family in the New Millennium. "Before, my songs had a lot to do with unnecessary fighting. And that's still the case." -Sly Stone to author Jeff Kaliss

300 pages, Hardcover

First published May 10, 2008

About the author

Jeff Kaliss is a San Francisco-based author and periodical writer about rock, jazz, world music, classical music, theater, film, and culture. His biography, "I Want to Take You Higher: The Life and Times of Sly & the Family Stone", is published by Hal Leonard/Backbeat Books. "