Sly Stone, the legendary frontman of Sly and the Family Stone and funk-rock pioneer, has died. He was 82.
His family released a statement on Monday (June 9) that read, “After a prolonged battle with COPD and other underlying health issues, Sly passed away peacefully, surrounded by his three children, his closest friend and his extended family. While we mourn his absence, we take solace in knowing that his extraordinary musical legacy will continue to resonate and inspire for generations to come.”
Stone, born Sylvester Stewart, was a revolutionary force in American music, whose vibrant blend of funk, rock, soul and psychedelia shaped an era and influenced generations. As leader of Sly and the Family Stone, he broke racial, gender and musical barriers in the late 1960s and early ’70s. With hits like “Family Affair,” “Dance to the Music,” “Everyday People” and “Thank You (Falletinme Be Mice Elf Again),” the band’s electrifying fusion of sound and integrated lineup made them emblematic of the Woodstock generation.
Stone’s unique vision and infectious energy helped redefine popular music and culture, influencing artists from Prince to Public Enemy. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 along with the Family Stone.
At the height of their fame, Sly and the Family Stone were festival favorites, most memorably at Woodstock, where their early morning set became a defining moment of the event. Their 1969 album, Stand!, propelled them to superstardom, but drug use, erratic behavior and no-shows began to tarnish their live reputation. Stone’s increasingly insular lifestyle led to the dark and brooding 1971 masterpiece There’s a Riot Goin’ On, an album that reflected both national disillusionment and Stone’s own unraveling mental state. Despite continued creative output, the band’s cohesion disintegrated, and by the mid-1970s, Stone’s career and personal life were in sharp decline.
After his Epic Records tenure ended, Stone’s output slowed significantly. Sporadic releases, minor guest appearances and failed comeback attempts marked his later years. Legal troubles and drug-related issues dominated headlines, and a 2011 report revealed he was homeless, living in a van. Despite a few brief reappearances, including a bizarre 2006 Grammy cameo and scattered live shows, Stone largely vanished from the spotlight. Lawsuits over mismanaged royalties and erratic public appearances underscored his troubled final decades.
Sly Stone’s musical journey began early, rooted in gospel and expanded through his work as a DJ and producer in the Bay Area. Forming the Family Stone in 1966, he fused various genres with a lineup that defied the norms of race and gender in the industry. Their early records struggled, but the success of “Dance to the Music” in 1968 changed their trajectory. Stone’s innovative production and songwriting pushed musical boundaries, and his use of the drum machine and layered textures prefigured hip-hop and modern pop production.
Despite personal and professional struggles, Stone’s impact on music remains profound. His songs were widely sampled by rap icons, praised by jazz legends like Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock, and emulated by future funk pioneers. His chaotic genius paved the way for artists who blurred genre lines and championed diversity.
The documentary Sly Lives! (The Burden of a Black Genius), directed by Questlove, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January and was followed by a wide release in February. André 3000, D’Angelo, Chaka Khan, Q-Tip, Nile Rodgers, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, George Clinton, Ruth Copeland and Clive Davis were among the many who appeared in the film, a testament to his seismic impact.
The family concluded, “Sly was a monumental figure, a groundbreaking innovator and a true pioneer who redefined the landscape of pop, funk and rock music. His iconic songs have left an indelible mark on the world, and his influence remains undeniable. In a testament to his enduring creative spirit, Sly recently completed the screenplay for his life story, a project we are eager to share with the world in due course, which follows a memoir published in 2024.”
