Sooner Or Later - Larry Graham May 2026

In the early 1980s, Larry Graham—the pioneer of the slap-bass technique—found himself at a creative crossroads. After dominating the charts with the soulful ballad "One in a Million You" in 1980, he risked being pigeonholed as a strictly romantic crooner. In 1982, he corrected course with the album and title track "Sooner or Later," a release that successfully bridged his funk roots with the evolving electronic sounds of the decade. The Vibe: Electro-Funk Evolution

The track is a masterclass in smooth funk, blending Graham’s "sly bass syncopations" with synthesizers, hand-claps, and even a vocoder.

It peaked at #17 on the Billboard Dance chart and #27 on the R&B chart. SOONER OR LATER - Larry Graham

Larry Graham's Spiritual Journey and Influence on Prince - Facebook

Released in via Warner Bros. Records , "Sooner or Later" marked a pivot back toward high-energy "Electro Funk". In the early 1980s, Larry Graham—the pioneer of

While the groove was heavy, Graham didn't abandon his baritone charm; critics at the time noted he still added enough of a croon to keep listeners swooning.

The track crossed the Atlantic, reaching #54 on the British pop charts. Legacy of the Album The Vibe: Electro-Funk Evolution The track is a

While it didn't reach the dizzying heights of his 1980 debut solo hit, "Sooner or Later" was a solid performer that kept Graham relevant in a changing musical landscape.