Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Jerry Martini, affectionately known as Papa J, is widely recognized as the original visionary behind the formation of Sly & the Family Stone.
Sly & the Family Stone became the first major American band to integrate members of different races and genders, making them musical trailblazers.
Throughout his career, Jerry has collaborated with an impressive array of legendary musicians. His contributions can be heard in collaborations with icons such as Mike Bloomfield, Carlos Santana, Rolling Stone Bill Wyman, Robert Cray , Willie Lomax , Prince, Graham Central Station, and Van Morrison. Known for his exceptional skills in horn arrangements and songwriting, Martini wrote memorable tracks like One With the Sun on Santanas Barbaletta album. One standout moment in Martini’s career occurred during the turn of the millennium when he, alongside Cynthia Robinson and Larry Graham, joined Prince for his sensational New Year’s Pay Per View special, Rave Un2 2000. Martini’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. In a documentary interview with Sly Stone, the band’s leader himself acknowledged Martini as the driving force behind its inception. Sly explicitly stated, “Jerry Martini is the guy who really started it.” This praise from Sly Stone serves as a testament to Martini’s visionary recommendation, which led to the formation of this influential musical group. To this day, the legacy of Sly & the Family Stone continues through “The Family Stone” led by Jerry Martini, alongside Phunne Stone, the daughter of Sly Stone and Cynthia Robinson, on vocals. Martini’s exceptional talents have been celebrated on various prestigious platforms. During the 2006 Grammy Awards, he shared the stage with a cast of all-star musicians, paying tribute to Sly & The Family Stone. More recently, he shared the stage of the inaugural IHeart Festival with a super group lead by Steven Tyler with Sting and Jeff Beck. Jerry Martini’s indelible mark on the music industry, both through his founding role in Sly and the Family Stone and his colaborations with renowned artists, cements his place in musical history. His pioneering spirit and undeniable talent continue to inspire musicians and audiences alike.