Sly, Slick and Wicked (Cleveland band)


Sly, Slick & Wicked is an American rhythm and blues band from Cleveland, Ohio. The group was formed in 1970 by John Wilson, Charles Still, and Mark Saxton. Two years after their formation, Terry Stubbs replaced Saxton and Maurice Reedus Jr. became part of their backup musicians. Their song "Stay My Love" was a Top Ten rhythm-and-blues song in 1971, and Polydor issued a 1972 follow-up, "It's Not Easy."
On the strength of these recordings, James Brown asked them to work for People Records, a sublabel of Polydor run by Brown. This made the band a part of what was called James Brown's "First Family of Soul." In 1973, John Wilson wrote the song "Sho' Nuff", which the band recorded with People Records that same year. The success of this record led Don Cornelius to sign the band to appear on Soul Train.
Later, the band became part of The O'Jays' Shaker Records, creating the song "Turn On Your Lovelight" in 1974. Around 1976, the band signed with Motown. The band's debut album Sly, Slick & Wicked was released by Ju-Par in 1977.
They were awarded the Men of Motown Award from the Motown Museum in 2003, and were inducted into the Motown Alumni Association Hall of Fame. In 2004, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame added the group to its permanent display. They were inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame in 2013.
"Suit and Tie" by Justin Timberlake and "Chaining Day" by J.Cole contain samples from their song "Sho Nuff".
According to the Cleveland Scene newspaper, the band is no longer allowed to perform under their group name due to a lawsuit and 1995 trademark by another band of the same name.

Discography