Larry Graham was born in Beaumont, Texas, to two accomplished musicians. He pioneered the slap-pop style of electric bass playing when his mother decided to eliminate the drummer from her band. To compensate, Graham developed a new approach: slapping the bass strings with his thumb to mimic a bass drum and popping the strings with his index or middle finger to imitate a snare. This technique became a defining element of modern funk and revolutionized bass playing across multiple genres.

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From 1966 to 1972, Graham played bass in the hugely influential funk band Sly and the Family Stone, introducing the world to his groundbreaking rhythmic style. After internal turmoil led to his departure in 1972, he formed Graham Central Station. Their self-titled 1974 debut produced the pop hit “Can You Handle It?” and later that same year “Feel the Need” gained traction on the charts. The band continued its success with “Your Love” reaching the Top 40 in 1975, followed by hits such as “Now Do U Wanta Dance” (1977), “My Radio Sure Sounds Good to Me” (1978), and “Star Walk” (1979).

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Graham’s influence extended far beyond his own bands. Prince openly credited him as a major inspiration—both musically and theatrically—and frequently collaborated with him in later years. Graham’s innovation helped shape the direction of funk, R&B, and pop for decades.

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Larry Graham was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with Sly and the Family Stone in 1993 and is also a member of the Museum of the Gulf Coast, Music Hall of Fame.