Born: August 14, 1946, Beaumont, Texas

Larry Graham, Jr. (known as Larry Graham) is known as one of the earliest innovators of funk music and is credited with the invention of the “Slap and Pop” technique on electric bass.  Larry Graham is rightfully regarded as one of the most influential bassists of all time.

Born in Beaumont, Texas and raised in Oakland, California, Larry Graham was introduced to music early in life.  He was deeply influenced by his mother, who played the organ in their church, sparking his interest in music. As a teenager, he learned to play the electric guitar, but it was his switch to the electric bass that would define his legacy.

Graham’s breakthrough came in the 1960s when he joined the band Sly and the Family Stone as their bassist. His distinctive groove and groundbreaking bass techniques, especially the “slap and pop” style, became a defining element of the band’s sound. His contributions to hits like “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)” and “Everyday People” were pivotal in shaping the band’s success.

In 1972, he left Sly and the Family Stone to form his own band, Graham Central Station. The group achieved considerable success, delivering a series of groovy funk and soul hits filled with Graham’s deep, soulful vocals, thumpin’ and pluckin’ and heavy fuzz bass.  Graham Central Station would produce slap many bass anthems including “Hair,” “Pow,” “The Jam,” and “Can You Handle It?”

Graham Central Station also achieved commercial success with hits like “One In a Million You” from the album of the same name, which reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. 

Larry Graham was the bass idol and a friend of Prince with whom he collaborated on Graham Central Station’s album GCS 2000.  He was quite often a guest and member of Prince’s band during live performances. 

Throughout his career, Larry Graham has continued to innovate, perform and collaborate.  He continues to be an influence for bassists all over the world through songs old and new including his most recent collaboration with bassist Nik West on her song “Thumpalenah (feat. Larry Graham).

Interesting Facts:

Larry Graham is the father of singer-songwriter and producer Darric Graham. He is also brothers with Dennis Graham, making him the uncle of Canadian rapper and actor Drake.

Essential Gear:

• Fender Jazz Bass
• Moon JJ4 Larry Graham Signature Bass
• GHS Boomers Strings

Our Top 5 Larry Graham Basslines:

• “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)” – Sly and The Family Stone – originally released on a double A side record with “Everybody Is a Star” – (regarded as the first ever electric bass slap song)
• “Hair” – Graham Central Station – from the album “Graham Central Station”
• “Pow” – Larry Graham and Graham Central Station – from the album “My Radio Sure Sounds Good To Me”
• “Everyday People” – Sly and The Family Stone – from the album “Stand!”
• “It Ain’t No Fun To Me” – Graham Central Station – from the album “Graham Central Station”

For our ever growing Discography of Larry Graham tracks, just search his name in the LEN Bass Player Database!

Must Watch: 

 Larry Graham and Graham Central Station – “Pow” Live

He’s singing and playing this at the same time!!!he