Larry Graham Jr. is an influential American musician, singer, and songwriter, widely acclaimed as the inventor of the slapping technique on the electric bass. He first rose to prominence as the bassist for the pioneering psychedelic soul and funk band Sly and the Family Stone. After leaving the group, he formed his own successful band, Graham Central Station, which further cemented his status as a funk innovator. His revolutionary bass playing has influenced countless musicians across various genres and continues to define the sound of funk music.