Sly Stone (1943-2025)
Sly Stone believed that music can bring people together and leaves a legacy of incredible albums and singles that deeply inspired everyone from Stevie Wonder to Prince, Janet Jackson to the Roots … and countless others.
A genius in hook-heavy and groove-driven songwriting and production, he also shined as a singer with his charisma, multi-octave range and signature style.
If you want to take a plunge into Sly and the Family Stone’s most challenging and rewarding work, try the 1971’s introspective There’s a Riot Goin’ On. Also check out the amazing Sly Lives! documentary and the incredible audiobook Thank You (Falettinme be Mice Elf Agin): A Memoir (performed by Dion Graham).
Brian Wilson (1942-2025)
So much has been said about Brian Wilson and his work with the Beach Boys, it’s hard to say anything new. Ultimately, for us, it’s about Brian Wilson’s music that finds a way to bring happiness to the soul.
Whether it’s the uplifting yet heartbreaking “God Only Knows” or the jazzy-psychedelic twists and turns of “Good Vibrations,” the Beach Boys created music that will transcend our era and many yet to come.
If you want to take a plunge into Brian Wilson’s most mysterious and brilliant work, check out The Beach Boys’ Smile Sessions, a lost album from 1967 that would have given Sgt. Pepper a run for its money had it been released when it was made rather than 40 years later.
David Lynch (1946-2025)
While not a musician directly, David Lynch’s films and TV shows have a musical quality — playing upon the senses and inner rhythms more than the straight narrative expected of films and TV series. Lynch played a large part in visioning the music that accompanies his work. His partnership with composer Angelo Badalamenti led to many iconic pairings of music and imagery.
There are many styles of music out there that have a David Lynch feel, ranging from thumping vintage surf instrumentals to catchy 1960s girl group ballads to dreamy, New Agey synth pop.
If you want to take a plunge into David Lynch’s most signature work, check out the Twin Peaks soundtrack while driving on Highway 30 through Deer Island on a rainy day in February.
