Legendary musician Sly Stone, who broke down racial and genre barriers while leading Sly & the Family Stone to worldwide success in the 1960s and 1970s before largely disappearing from music in the 1980s amid drug. mental and financial problems, has died at the age of 82.
“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,” according to a statement from his 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.”
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“Sly was a monumental figure, a groundbreaking innovator and a true pioneer who redefined the landscape of pop, funk and rock music,” they continued. “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. We extend our deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love and prayers during this difficult time. We wish peace and harmony to all who were touched by Sly’s life and his iconic music. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your unwavering support.”
Born Sylvester Stewart in Denton, Tx., Stone settled in the Bay Area city of Vallejo, Ca., as a child and began releasing music with his talented siblings, Freddie and Rose, in the mid-1950s. He shifted into producing and DJing as the ’60s rock revolution began to take hold, and by 1964 had formed Sly & the Family Stone with his brother and sister. Their 1967 debut album, A Whole New Thing, failed to chart, but its 1968 follow-up, Dance to the Music, spawned a top 10 Billboard Hot 100 hit with its title track and made the group a hot commodity on stage.
With a stunning sound presaging psychedelic soul and funk and a mixed-race lineup reflecting the ongoing societal tumult of the Vietnam War and civil rights eras, Stone and company were one of the highlights of the inaugural Woodstock festival and went on to release a host of classic singles throughout the late ’60s and early ’70s:, including “Everyday People,” “Hot Fun in the Summertime,” “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin),” “I Want To Take You Higher” and “Family Affair.”
However, the group dissolved by 1975 as Stone’s behavior became more erratic, and he rarely recorded or performed for the better part of the next two-plus decades.
Stone re-emerged out of nowhere for a 2006 performance at the Grammys and since then, he has performed sporadically while releasing one new album, 2011’s I’m Back! Family & Friends. Although Stone’s own interviews were ultimately not used due to his mental and physical condition, his legacy was greatly enhanced by the recent Questlove-directed documentary SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius). A memoir, Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin), came out on the Roots drummer’s AUWA Books imprint.
Just last week, a Sly & the Family Stone live album recorded in 1967 but left in a vault for decades, The First Family: Live at Winchester Cathedral, was announced for release on July 18.
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