Renowned funk-rock artist Sly Stone, the iconic leader of Sly and the Family Stone, has passed away at the age of 82, his family announced.
In a statement released Monday, the family shared that he died after a prolonged battle with COPD, a chronic lung disease, and other underlying health conditions.
“Sly was a monumental figure, a groundbreaking innovator, and a true pioneer who redefined the landscape of pop, funk, and rock music,” the statement read. “His iconic songs have left an indelible mark on the world, and his influence remains undeniable.”
Stone’s rise to fame spanned the 1960s and 70s, following his early career as a San Francisco DJ.
Born Sylvester Stewart, Stone’s musical journey began with gospel singing alongside his siblings. He transitioned to radio DJ work in California before forming Sly and the Family Stone, a band that included his brother.
While initially performing gospel, the band evolved, seamlessly blending psychedelia and funk into their distinctive sound.
Sly and the Family Stone gained recognition not only for their genre-bending music but also for their racially diverse lineup of musicians.
Their 1967 single, “Dance to the Music,” reached No. 8 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart. The band delivered memorable performances at iconic events like the 1969 Woodstock Festival and the Harlem Cultural Festival (“Summer of Soul”) that same year.
The family also noted that Stone “recently completed the screenplay for his life story, a project we are eager to share with the world in due course.”
Internal conflicts and substance abuse challenges impacted the band in the 1970s, ultimately leading to its dissolution, though Stone occasionally performed solo.
Sly and the Family Stone were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993. Stone made a noteworthy appearance at the 2005 Grammy Awards but subsequently limited his public appearances.