Willie Sparks
Willie Sparks | |
|---|---|
| Died | May 2020 |
| Genres | Musician |
| Occupations | Drums, vocals |
| Formerly of | Hot Chocolate aka Hot Choc’let , Graham Central Station |
Willie “Wild” Sparks was a drummer for the band Graham Central Station and worked as a session musician in the 1970s and 80s.[1]
Background
A founding member of Graham Central Station, Willie Sparks was a member of the Oakland band, Hot Chocolate.[2] He has also sung vocals and played drums for other artists, including Sly & The Family Stone and Elton John.[3]
Career
In the early 1970s, Willie Sparks and Hershall Kennedy did some work with the group, Little Sister.[4]
Sparks was part of an ensemble called Hot Choc’let aka Hot Cocolate that was set up by Larry Graham. Patrice Banks, David Vega, Robert Sam, and Hershell Kennedy were also members. This all came about when Larry Graham was still in Sly & the Family Stone.[5][6] Larry Graham just wanted to work as the group's composer and producer. But one night after joining the band on stage, things clicked well and Graham joined the band, replacing the original bass player. The band's name was then changed to Graham Central Station,[7] and Graham quit Sly & the Family Stone.[8]
He played on the debut album, Graham Central Station that was released in 1974.[9]
Sparks played on Sly Stone's High on You album that was released in 1975.[10]
Later years
For a period of 15 years, Sparks was homeless off and on, living in the San Francisco, California area.[11]
Death
Willie Sparks died on May 15, 2020.[12]
Further reading
- SFGate, Feb 11, 2011 - Transbay Terminal hurdle: hard-core homeless By Kevin Fagan
References
- ^ SoulTracks (2020-05-24). "R.I.P. Willie Wild Sparks, noted drummer of Graham Central Station". SoulTracks. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ^ "WILLIE SPARKS DIES… – Soul and Jazz and Funk". www.soulandjazzandfunk.com. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ^ "Willie Wild Sparks". Discogs. Retrieved 8 April 2016.
- ^ rockportraits (2015-09-19). "Sly And The Family Stone". rockportraits. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ^ Richards, Tori (2020-07-01). "EPISODE 11: Patryce "CHOC'LET" Banks [GRAHAM CENTRAL STATION]". Aced Out Podcast. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ^ Larkin, Colin (1997). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Seventies Music. Virgin. ISBN 978-0-7535-0154-2.
- ^ Master, Jazz. "Bass Icon Larry Graham: Accidents of Fortune". iRock Jazz. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ^ Richards, Tori (2020-07-01). "EPISODE 11: Patryce "CHOC'LET" Banks [GRAHAM CENTRAL STATION]". Aced Out Podcast. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ^ Jazz Music Archives - RAHAM CENTRAL STATION — Graham Central Station Line-up/Musicians
- ^ "Sly Stone "High On You" (Epic, 1975) | Jive Time Records". 2025-02-05. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ^ Fagan, Kevin (11 February 2011). "Transbay Terminal hurdle: hard-core homeless". SFGATE.
- ^ "Aced Out Podcast". Aced Out Podcast. 19 June 2020. Retrieved 17 August 2024.
External links
- Discogs - Willie Wild Sparks