Sons Of Slum were formed in Chicago during 1964 between college friends and went on to back some of the cities finest such as The Emotions, Otis Clay, Garland Green and Syl Johnson. They were picked up for management by Mel Collins, who at the time was riding high with his wife of the time Jo Armstead and Giant Records. When the group weren't touring extensively with some of Mel's acts they found time to release a couple of singles on his Gamma label, both are highly respected among funk lovers across the globe.

Mel realised in the early 70s that he had taken the band as far as he could and passed his management over to his friend Pervis Staples, who instantly placed them as the backing band for The Emotions. Whilst under the leadership of Pervis they released a couple of singles on Stax Records and recorded an album for the label. This album was shelved due to bad timing because the label declared bankruptcy before it could be released.

The group decided to cut their ties with Pervis after the closure of Stax and hooked up with Ken Freeman as their manager, who at the time was managing jazz fusion act Chase. Ken was able to sign the group to Capitol Records and they recorded what was to be the second album release on their nearly formed black music division. This album was also never released because the label put all their focus on the Tavares, who were breaking through globally at the time.

There was a break up with Ken before the group decided to record in 1977 their third album independently. This album was entitled 'Music is the Message' and is the set of recordings that Cordial are releasing on vinyl/CD for the first time 32 years later. At the time the group approached a number of labels and there was interest, but unfortunately for them at the time no label took up the option to release the album. The band folded in 1978 and the members moved on to other projects.

Cordial Recordings are proud to release in partnership with the original band members the full set of recordings from the third album because the songs are a collection of the finest funk mixed with soul and a touch of jazz. The vinyl release comes on 350gsm white/white board outer sleeve and comes with a printed inner sleeve with extensive sleeve notes & photos that chart the history of the group.