(October 4, 2025) Today we received sad news we didn’t want to hear from John “Sly” Wilson of the 70s R&B hitmaking group Sly, Slick & Wicked about the passing of his bandmate of over a half century:
“I am sooo hurt and my heart is sooo torn apart. My lifelong dear brother and a partner. He, myself and Marc “Wicked” Saxton created a music dynasty and legacy. CHARLES ‘SLICK” STILL has joined the ancestors. What we have created will last until the end of time. I will miss you so much. I will see you on the other side.”
Formed in Cleveland, Ohio, the group Sly, Slick & Wicked has had a solid run for five decades, with hits on several labels and a strong legacy as part of soul music’s Golden Era.
Originally consisting of Wilson, Still and Marc “Wicked” Saxton (Saxton was replaced early on by Terry “Wicked” Stubbs), SSW first hit with the single “Stay My Love” on the Paramount label. This led to being signed by James Brown’s People Records, the recording of the Brown composition “Sho Nuff,” and the trio’s appearance on Soul Train.
After some singles on Shaker Records, Sly Slick & Wicked was signed by Motown, which released the group’s self-titled album. Another release, “All I Want Is You,” came in 1979 on Epic Records. During the 70s, SSW toured with many of the soul music greats of the era, and performed in the famous Kool Jazz Festival.
Over the years, SSW has received numerous awards, including The Men of Motown Award from the Motown Museum in 2003, the Motown Alumni Association Hall of Fame, and the 2013 class of the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame. “Sho Nuff” has also been sampled by Justin Timberlake (“Suit and Tie”) and J Cole (“Chaining Day”). The group was also featured in the 2014 documentary, Sax Man.
Over the past few years, Sly, Slick and Wicked, consisting of Wilson, Still and Leo “Wicked” Green, continued to perform. With the band’s many fans, we today mourn the passing of Charles “Slick” Still.
By Chris Rizik
