Sly & the Family Stone

A genuinely integrated, mixed-gender band doing psychedelic soul in 1968, which was almost unheard of at the time — and crossing over without smoothing any of it out. Stand! (1969) and There’s a Riot Goin’ On (1971) are the two records collectors chase hardest, recorded for Epic.

Of note: the band’s earlier Epic singles tend to be underpriced relative to how much they shaped what came after. Worth checking condition closely on gatefold Stand! pressings — they turn up more than people expect.