Sly was cool. I think I would have the godfather of soul James Brown as the origin of funk though.

Check out Sly all loaded up on the Dick Cavet show.

YouTube - Buddyhead presents: Sly and the Family Stone loaded
Here he is 12 years later:

YouTube - Sly Stone on David Letterman

Gotta love Sly! I hate that he never attained the same legendary status that some other singers did.

Your right Tim, I was just trying to think of a catchy title for the thread.

Sly played the happiest music. I love blues and most of blues is music to help get rid of the "blues".

This is the biggest problem I have with music today...It's all sad and down. I understand the need to express all emotions through music, but 99% of the time, I choose music that picks me up and makes me feel good. Sly does this as well as anyone.

Here's someone else whose music makes me feel good, with a little bit of funk: