Sly And The Family Stone Owns Half Of A Billboard Chart After The Singer’s Death

Sly Stone, one of the most innovative musicians in recorded music history and the leader of Sly and the Family Stone, passed away on June 9 at the age of 82. Throughout his storied career, Stone was responsible for some of the catchiest R&B and pop tracks ever, which stormed the charts throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Following his passing, Americans began buying some of the group’s most famous singles once more. All that renewed love has led to quite the chart takeover for Sly and his namesake group.

Sly and the Family Stone Score Five Hits on Billboard Chart

Sly and the Family Stone claim five spots on the R&B Digital Song Sales chart this week. The musicians occupy half of the entire 10-position ranking of the top-selling R&B-only tracks in the U.S. Most of the band’s current wins are new to the tally, while one returns and reaches a new peak position.

“Everyday People” Almost Hits No. 1

“Everyday People” ranks as Sly and the Family Stone’s biggest win on the R&B Digital Song Sales chart this frame. The track returns for just its second stay on the purchase-centric list, arriving at No. 2. Sly and company are held back from the summit by “Type Dangerous,” Mariah Carey’s latest launch, which conquers the R&B Digital Song Sales ranking.

Four Other Tracks Debut on the Chart

The other four Sly and the Family Stone tunes that land on the R&B Digital Song Sales roster this week are all new entries. “Dance to the Music,” “Hot Fun in the Summertime,” “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin),” and “Family Affair” debut at Nos. 4, 5, 7, and 10, respectively.

A Busy Week for New Arrivals

It’s a crowded week for debut appearances on the R&B Digital Song Sales chart, as 60% of the spots on the 10-position list are occupied by tracks that have never landed on this roster before. In addition to Sly and the Family Stone and Carey, Keith Sweat and Athena Cage launch “Nobody” at No. 8.

The Group’s Chart History Expands

Before this week, Sly and the Family Stone had only landed one hit on the R&B Digital Song Sales chart, and it was “Everyday People.” Now, the group is up to five career placements on the tally. The band likely would have dominated this kind of ranking during its heyday had this specific Billboard tally existed decades ago.