Sly Stone, the pioneering frontman of the revolutionary funk-rock group Sly and the Family Stone, has passed away at the age of 82. The musician died after a long battle with COPD and other health complications.
In a statement to PEOPLE, his family expressed their sorrow: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved dad, Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone. 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.” The statement went on to say, “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.”
Born on March 15, 1943, in Denton, Texas, Sly Stone was instrumental in the birth of the psychedelic soul movement during the 1960s and ’70s. His groundbreaking band, Sly and the Family Stone, blended funk, soul, rock, and R&B in ways no other group had done before. The band is widely recognized as the first to fuse these genres and for their racially integrated, mixed-gender lineup, which set them apart in the music world.
AllMusic described Stone’s influence: “James Brown may have invented funk, but Sly Stone perfected it.” The group’s music rejected conventional boundaries and became a massive influence across various genres, impacting artists from different musical and cultural backgrounds. Stone’s innovative sound and the band’s message of unity made a lasting impact.
Sly and the Family Stone also broke new ground as the first major American rock band to feature a racially integrated and mixed-gender lineup. Formed in 1966, the band included Stone, his brother Freddie Stone, sister Rose Stone, Cynthia Robinson, Greg Errico, Jerry Martini, and Larry Graham.
The band achieved great commercial success with over a dozen songs on the Billboard Hot 100, including three No. 1 hits: “Everyday People,” “Family Affair,” and “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)”/“Everybody Is a Star.” Sly and the Family Stone’s music reached beyond the charts, gaining critical acclaim. The band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 and was ranked 43rd on Rolling Stone’s list of the “100 Greatest Artists of All Time” in 2010. Additionally, three of their albums—Stand, There’s a Riot Goin’ On, and Greatest Hits—were included in Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Albums of All Time.”
Though Sly and the Family Stone disbanded in 1975, Stone continued to create music. He released his debut solo album, High on You, that same year and toured with various lineups. However, Stone’s career took a hit due to personal struggles with drugs, leading to his retreat from the music scene in 1987. His final solo album, I’m Back! Family & Friends, was released in 2011.
Sly Stone’s music and his groundbreaking approach to funk, soul, and rock continue to shape the music industry today. His legacy remains an inspiration to generations of artists and fans alike.
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