Sly, Slick & Wicked

Formed in Cleveland, Ohio, the group Sly, Slick & Wicked (not to be confused with the hit by the Lost Generation) has had a solid run for five decades, with hits on several labels and a strong legacy as part of soul music’s Golden Era.

Originally consisting of John “Sly” Wilson, Charles “Slick” Still and Marc “Wicked” Saxton (Saxton was replaced early on by Terry “Wicked” Stubbs), SSW first hit with the single “Stay My Love” on the Paramount label. This led to being signed by James Brown’s People Records, the recording of the Brown composition “Sho Nuff,” and the trio’s appearance on Soul Train.

After some singles on Shaker Records, Sly Slick & Wicked was signed by Motown, which released the group’s self-titled album. Another release, “All I Want Is You,” came in 1979 on Epic Records. During the 70s, SSW toured with many of the soul music greats of the era, and performed in the famous Kool Jazz Festival.

Over the years, SSW has received numerous awards, including The Men of Motown Award from the Motown Museum in 2003, the Motown Alumni Association Hall of Fame, and the 2013 class of the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame. “Sho Nuff” has also been sampled by Justin Timberlake (“Suit and Tie”) and J Cole (“Chaining Day”). The group was also featured in the 2014 documentary, Sax Man.

Sly, Slick and Wicked, now consisting of Wilson, Still and Leo “Wicked” Green continues to perform, 50 years after their formation.