Graham Central Station was an American funk band founded by Larry Graham, formerly of Sly and the Family Stone.

The name is a pun on New York City’s Grand Central Terminal.

The band’s origins date from when Santana guitarist Neal Schon formed the band Azteca in 1972 along with Larry Graham (bass guitar) and Gregg Errico (drums), both from Sly and the Family Stone, and Pete Sears (keyboards), from Hot Tuna and Jefferson Starship. Santana bass guitar player Tom Rutley moved into the bass spot with Azteca. That band, like Santana with heavy Latin influences, eventually morphed into Graham Central Station, while Schon formed Journey.

The invention of electric slap bass is attributed by many (including Victor Wooten and Bootsy Collins) to Graham, which influenced many musical genres, such as funk, R&B and disco.

Formed in 1972, the band included members from Santana and Sly and the Family Stone. Larry Graham is credited with inventing the electric slap bass technique, influencing funk, R&B, and disco. Their 1974 single “Can You Handle It?” peaked at number 9 on the R&B charts. Their biggest hit, “Your Love,” reached number 1 on the R&B charts in 1975. The band also incorporated gospel music into their repertoire. In 2011, they opened for Prince on his “Welcome 2 America” tour. Notable members included Larry Graham, Lenny Williams, Patryce Banks, and David Vega.