Documentary celebrates Sly Stone's influence on musicians

A new documentary titled "Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius)" is now available on Disney+ in Canada. Directed by Questlove, the film explores the life and influence of musical legend Sly Stone. It features discussions with notable artists like D’Angelo, Chaka Khan, and Andre 3000. The documentary focuses on Sly Stone's career and the challenges he faced as a Black artist in the U.S. It aims to show how his work has impacted future generations of musicians. Producer Joseph Patel describes the collaboration with Questlove as based on their shared love for music, making the storytelling feel authentic. Questlove's presence in the documentary creates a sense of comfort for the artists being interviewed. Producer Derik Murray notes that Questlove's own experiences with fame help establish trust, allowing artists to share personal stories about Stone and their own lives. The film revolves around the question, "What is Black genius?" Patel explains that the story of Sly Stone serves as an example of this concept. The documentary seeks to engage both fans familiar with Stone and newcomers learning about his music. Through archival footage, the film also delves into Sly Stone's struggles with addiction and the pressures of his career. The filmmakers aim to provide context around his choices, showing both his successes and the challenges he faced as a trailblazer. The documentary seeks to illuminate the complexities of his life as a pioneering Black artist in America.