The charge: that Sylvester Stewart, a.k.a. Sly Stone, was a sartorially resplendent revolutionary whose cultural influence as the leader of the black/white, male/female collective called the Family Stone, anticipated every major musical trend in the Seventies, from hard funk to disco.

Exhibit A: that the genius of "Everyday People," "Dance to the Music," "I Want to Take You Higher," "Hot Fun in the Summertime," "Family Affair," "M'Lady," "You Can Make It If You Try" and "Stand!" percolates in the music of Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, George Clinton, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Prince.

The verdict: guilty on all counts.