Thank You For Letting Me Be Myself Again

By: Rev. Christopher W. Riley
FWIS Contributing Writer

Sly and the Family Stone recorded and released this tune in 1970. The upbeat tune with the catchy beat has been sampled over the years by other artists such as Janet Jackson. Sly Stone died on June 9 and is remembered for his unique and innovative fusion of rock and funk music. According to USA Today, Stone’s family issued a statement, “hailing him as "a monumental figure, a groundbreaking innovator and a true pioneer who redefined the landscape of pop, funk and rock music,” one whose songs “have left an indelible mark on the world, and his influence remains undeniable.”

Stone who was born Sylvester Stewart on March 14, 1943, in Denton, Texas but was raised in San Francisco where he would develop his multicultural and multi-talented band that would go on to record timeless classics such as Dance to the Music, Everyday People and It’s a Family Affair. Stone was 82 at the time of his death. Sly Lives: The Burden of Black Genius is a documentary streaming on HULU and directed by Oscar and Grammy Award-Winning Musician, Journalist and Filmaker Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson.

In addition to Stone, the world of Black Music was rocked by the death of Walter Scott of the Whispers on June 26. Scott performed with his twin brother Wallace (aka Scotty) along with Nicholas Caldwell, Marcus Hutson and Gordy Harmon. The Whispers scored their first top 10 hit, “Seems Like I Gotta Do Wrong” in 1970. The Whispers went on to record popular dance tunes that have become cookout staples, “It’s a Love Thing,” “And the Beat Goes On” and Rock Steady which earned the group it’s only Grammy Award. Wallace Scott and Leaveil Degree who replaced Gordy Harmon in 1973 continue to perform as The Whispers.

The Gospel Music industry lost two legends as well. You may not be familiar with these ladies by name but certainly know their work and contributions to the genre. Lou Della Evans-Reid was born in 1930 in Brownsville, Tennessee but later relocated to Chicago. She and her brother Rev. Clay Evans who died in 2019 were co-founders of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church on the South Side of the Windy City. Mama Lou as she was affectionately called, was short in stature but mighty in spirit. She directed the choir with physicality that included rushing across a church altar with fist shaking and hammering home notes with her finger pointed to the sky. Evans-Reid passed away on July 5 just two days prior to her 95th birthday. An early 95th birthday celebration was held in May and WFLD-Fox 32 asked Mama Lou how she wanted to be remembered. “I gave it all I had. I want to lift up God, build up God. I ain’t trying to build my name up but build God’s name up. If you take care of God, he’ll take care of you.”

Mama Mosie Burks who led several songs with the Mississippi Mass Choir died on July 7 at 92 years of age. You will recognize her voice from songs like “When I Rose This Morning” They Got the Word” and “I’m Not Tired Yet.” Burks retired from Mississippi Mass in 2020. Her last performance was at the choir’s 50th anniversary. Burks recorded a solo album in 2005 on the Jackson-based Malaco Records Label.

“These two saints in Gospel Music will be missed. Chicago Mass and Gospel Music According to Chicago, will miss the great leadership and voice of Mama Lou Della Evans-Reid. I was privileged to sing under her tutelage many times at the Late James Cleveland’s Gospel Music Workshop of America. She was hard but fair, and her work in Gospel Music will be missed,” said Fort Wayne Veteran Gospel Announcer and Educator/Community Activist Delois “Dee” McKinley-Edridge.

“Mississippi Mass Choir also has lost one of the greatest voices in Gospel Music. I have had the pleasure of singing with this giant at James Cleveland’s Gospel Music Workshop of America. We ate together, talked about her cousins Danny Mollison and Sheila Underwood of Fort Wayne. We also talked about her love for groups like The Williams Brothers and The Canton Spirituals. I asked her about her recording with all those Gospel Greats on the Gospel Legends CD. Her response was, “Just like the Heavenly Choir.” said McKinley-Eldridge.

“In the vibrant tapestry of Black Music, we weave both joy and sorrow, acknowledging the indelible imprints left by legends such as Lou Della Evans-Reid, Mosie Burks, Sly Stone and Walter Scott of the Whispers. Their melodies and rhythms were more than just entertainment; they were voices that echoed through generations, shaping culture and inspiring countless artists,” said Geno Burgess, On-Air Personality B96.9 FM, R & B and Old School.

“As we grapple with their recent departures, we are reminded of the profound legacy they leave behind. Each note they played and every song they sang continues to resonate within us, a testament to their unparalleled contributions. In remembering and honoring these pioneers, we ensure that their spirits forever thrive in the music that pulses in our hearts and souls. Let us carry forward their legacy, not as a recollection of the past, but as a beacon for the future in Black music’s ever-evolving journey.” said, Burgess.

Looking at the devil

And he's got a gun

Finger started shaking

I begin to run, oh yeah

Bullets started chasing

I begin to stop

We begin to wrassle, yeah

I was on the top

The first verse of Sly Stone’s popular tune speaks of having situations that seems insurmountable but with God’s grace we can overcome. All four of these artists triumphed over adversity and the many challenges faced over a lifetime. The world is better for Sly Stone, Walter Scott, Mama Lou Della Evans-Reid and Mama Mosie Burks and their incomparable contributions to American Music.