After nearly 60 years since their initial recording sessions, the earliest known live performances of Sly & the Family Stone are set to be unveiled this year, delighting fans and music enthusiasts alike.

Entitled The First Family: Live at the Winchester Cathedral 1967, this remarkable compilation of previously unreleased live tracks will officially launch on July 18 through High Moon Records. 

The collection will be available in various formats, including digital, vinyl, and CD editions, ensuring accessibility for all formats of music lovers. Physical copies will come with a comprehensive booklet that includes never-before-seen photographs, insightful interviews with Sly Stone and original band members, as well as detailed liner notes from producer Alex Palao. Notably, the CD edition will feature an exclusive bonus track: their soulful cover of Otis Redding‘s “Try A Little Tenderness.”

Originally recorded on March 26, 1967, this electrifying live set features the legendary group during their four-month residency at the Winchester Cathedral club in Redwood City, California. Captured by their first manager, Rich Romanello, these tapes were unfortunately put aside but were serendipitously rediscovered in 2002 by Dutch twins and dedicated band archivists, Edwin and Arno Konings.

“The recordings from Winchester Cathedral exemplify a truly unique ensemble that was already showcasing their full potential, long before they achieved international acclaim,” remarked Alex Palao in a statement. “Sly is completely in control, and the distinctive arrangements coupled with their incredibly tight ensemble performance set the stage for the future and illustrate the lasting impact of Sly & the Family Stone’s music.” 

Accompanying the announcement of this exciting package, a sneak peek of the record has been shared through the final track, “I Gotta Go Now (Up On The Floor)/Funky Broadway,” giving fans a taste of what to expect.

Although these tracks were recorded in March 1967, the live set does not include any songs from their debut album – A Whole New Thing – which was released later that year in October. The majority of the set is comprised of cover songs, with only the initial track, “I Ain’t Got Nobody (For Real),” eventually making it onto one of their albums, appearing on Dance to the Music in 1968.

Over their storied career spanning 19 years, Sly & the Family Stone released a total of ten albums before disbanding in 1983. They were later honored by being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993. Sly Stone also pursued a solo career, releasing an album in 1975, with his most recent full-length release being I’m Back! Family & Friends in 2011.

Earlier this year, acclaimed director Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson unveiled the film Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius), which offers an in-depth exploration of the life and enduring legacy of this iconic musical figure.

“I aimed to investigate and question the concept of Black genius. How does it differ from the broader notion of genius? What burdens come with such a label? How much potential is tied to it, and how much fear and unrealistic expectations does it carry?” Questlove reflected in a statement. “Sly aimed to elevate you – I hope this film also provides deeper insights into his artistic journey.”

Tune in to listen to “I Gotta Go Now (Up On The Floor)/Funky Broadway” below: