Stephane Grappelli

See Django Reinhardt. Insert “Stephane Grappelli.”

Stephane Grappelli AllMusic page

Steely Dan

Steely Dan is two guys and an endlessly rotating cast of musicians. And yet, all their songs sound exactly the same! And when the two leads have released solo albums … they sound exactly like Steely Dan! So clearly Steely Dan is really one guy, a computer, and a bunch of holograms.

Steely Dan AllMusic page

Staple Singers

I don’t get it. Their last name is “Staples,” but they are the “Staple Singers.” That’s wrong, right? Though to be honest, if Mavis is singing lead in my band, she can call herself whatever she wants.

Staple Singers AllMusic page

Southern Rock

When Pete and I were about 16, we went to see a documentary about Lynyrd Skynyrd at the University of Delaware movie theater. If you’ve ever met either of us, you might wonder, “Why on earth did you go see a documentary about Lynyrd Skynyrd?” I have no idea, either.

Southern Rock AllMusic page

Southern African

My original idea for this list was to focus on Ladysmith Black Mambazo and township jive. But the more I looked into it, the more I realized how widespread the music of southern Africa really is. That is because I am a dumb white American.

Southern African AllMusic page

Sonny Rollins

Miles Davis called Sonny Rollins the greatest tenor ever. I guess there isn’t too much to add to that.

Sonny Rollins AllMusic page

SoCal Rap

When Larry (Lawrence) and I were roommates, we used to call “Next Episode” the drive-by song. Or maybe it was “That Was a Good Day.” Actually, you could call pretty much any song on this list the drive-by song.

West Coast Rap AllMusic page

Smokey Robinson/ Miracles

The day I met Max, the first thing he said to me was, “Don’t you think Smokey Robinson was the greatest singer of the 60s?” I knew right away I was going to like this kid. Smokey Robinson and I also have the same birthday, so clearly I am awesome by association.

Smokey Robinson AllMusic page

Smiths/Morrissey

I KNOW. The gay police confiscated my ID card years ago. Sorry, if this is what we get as a spokesperson—mopey AND mean—well, blecch.

Morrissey AllMusic page

Smiths AllMusic page

Sly & the Family Stone

Everybody Is a Star! You Can Make It If You Try! I – I – I AM EVERYDAY PEOPLE!

I love this group.

Sly & the Family Stone AllMusic page