Drake is one of the most popular and successful artists in the music industry today. He has won multiple awards, sold millions of records, and collaborated with some of the biggest names in the business. But did you know that he also has a connection to one of the pioneers of funk music? That’s right, Drake is related to Larry Graham, the legendary bass player and singer who was a member of Sly and the Family Stone and Graham Central Station. How are they related, and what is their relationship like? Let’s find out.
The Uncle-Nephew Bond
Drake’s full name is Aubrey Drake Graham, and he was born in Toronto, Canada, on October 24, 1986. His father, Dennis Graham, is an African American musician who played drums for Jerry Lee Lewis. His mother, Sandi Graham, is a Jewish Canadian educator. Drake is a dual citizen of the U.S. and Canada, the former derived from his father.
Larry Graham’s full name is Larry Graham Jr., and he was born in Beaumont, Texas, on August 14, 1946. His father, Larry Graham Sr., was a guitarist who played with the Dell-Vikings, the Coasters, and Ray Charles. His mother, Dell Graham, was a pianist and organist who taught him how to play music at an early age. Larry Graham is the father of singer-songwriter and producer Darric Graham. He is also brothers with Dennis Graham, making Larry Graham the uncle of Drake.
According to Larry Graham, he and Drake have a close uncle-nephew bond that goes beyond music. In an interview with Lenny Green in 20123, Larry Graham said that he met Drake when he was five years old, and that they have been in touch ever since. He said that he considers Drake as his own son, and that he is very proud of his achievements. He also said that Drake calls him “Uncle Larry” or “Uncle Funk”, and that they often talk on the phone or text each other.
The Musical Influence
Larry Graham is widely regarded as one of the most influential bass players in history. He is credited with inventing the slap bass technique, which involves using the thumb to strike the strings and create a percussive sound. He also developed a unique style of playing chords and harmonics on the bass. He was a founding member of Sly and the Family Stone, one of the first racially integrated and gender diverse bands in America. He played on some of their classic hits, such as “Dance to the Music”, “Everyday People”, “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)”, and “Family Affair”. He left the band in 1972 and formed his own group, Graham Central Station, which had a string of funk hits, such as “Can You Handle It?”, “Your Love”, and “One in a Million You”. He also had a successful solo career, and collaborated with artists like Prince, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, and Carlos Santana.
Drake has acknowledged that Larry Graham has been a major musical influence on him. In an interview with MTV News in 2010, Drake said that he grew up listening to his uncle’s music, and that he learned a lot from him about songwriting, singing, and performing. He said that he admires his uncle’s versatility and longevity in the music industry. He also said that he hopes to collaborate with him someday.
In fact, Drake has already paid tribute to his uncle’s music in some of his songs. For example, in his 2011 hit “Headlines”, he raps: “I might be too strung out on compliments / Overdosed on confidence / Started not to give a fuck / And stopped fearing the consequence / Drinking every night / Because we drink to my accomplishments / Faded way too long / I’m floating in and out of consciousness / And they sayin’ I’m back / I’d agree with that / I just take my time with all this shit / I still believe in that / I had someone tell me I fell off / Ooh I needed that / And they want to see me pick back up / Well where’d I leave it at?” These lyrics are inspired by Larry Graham’s song “Stand Up And Shout About Love”, which has the chorus: “I’m so strung out on you baby / Overdosed on your love / Started not to give a damn / And stopped worrying about tomorrow / Drinking every night / Because we drink to our love / Faded way too long / I’m floating in another world / And they say I’ve changed / Well I agree with that / I just take my time with all this love / I still believe in that / I had someone tell me I fell out / Ooh I needed that / And they want to see me pick back up / Well where’d I leave it at?” Kanye West also sampled Larry Graham’s song for his 2016 track “No More Parties In LA”, which features Kendrick Lamar. Drake responded to this by posting a photo of his uncle’s album “One In A Million You” on Instagram, with the caption: “Few more parties in LA”.
The Family Legacy
Drake and Larry Graham are not the only members of their family who have made a mark in the music industry. Drake’s father, Dennis Graham, was also a musician who played drums for Jerry Lee Lewis, and later became a songwriter and producer. He has worked with artists like Al Green, Isaac Hayes, and Johnny Mathis. He also released his own music, such as the 2016 single “Kinda Crazy”. Drake’s mother, Sandi Graham, was an educator who taught English and fine arts. She also has a musical background, as she plays piano and flute. She has been supportive of Drake’s career, and has appeared in some of his music videos, such as “God’s Plan” and “I’m Upset”.
Larry Graham’s father, Larry Graham Sr., was also a musician who played guitar for the Dell-Vikings, the Coasters, and Ray Charles. He also taught his son how to play music at an early age. Larry Graham’s mother, Dell Graham, was a pianist and organist who played in churches and nightclubs. She also sang in a gospel group called the Delltones. Larry Graham’s son, Darric Graham, is also a singer-songwriter and producer who has worked with artists like Prince, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, and Carlos Santana. He also released his own music, such as the 2017 album “GCS 2000”.
Drake and Larry Graham are part of a family that has a rich musical heritage and legacy. They have both achieved remarkable success and recognition in their respective genres and eras. They have also maintained a close and supportive relationship that transcends their blood ties. They are an example of how music can bring people together and inspire generations.
