Sly Stone, the legendary funk pioneer and frontman of Sly and the Family Stone, has died at the age of 82, his family confirmed on Monday. Stone helped shape the sound of late 1960s music with his groundbreaking fusion of funk, soul, and rock.
According to the Associated Press, Stone passed away following a long struggle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other health issues. His publicist, Carleen Donovan, said he died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.
Sly Stone, born Sylvester Stewart on March 15, 1943, in Denton, Texas, was a visionary musician, songwriter, and producer. He was best known as the frontman of the groundbreaking funk band Sly and the Family Stone. Raised in Vallejo, California, Stone was a musical prodigy from an early age, mastering multiple instruments and becoming a DJ for San Francisco radio station KSOL before forming his iconic band in 1966.
Sly and the Family Stone revolutionized popular music with their fusion of funk, soul, rock, and psychedelia, along with their socially conscious lyrics and diverse, integrated lineup—an anomaly at the time. The group’s dynamic performances and genre-blending sound helped define the countercultural spirit of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Their hits include “Everyday People,” “Dance to the Music,” “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin),” and “Family Affair.”
Yes, Sly Stone and his band Sly and the Family Stone performed at Woodstock in 1969. Their set is widely regarded as one of the most electrifying and memorable performances of the festival.
They played in the early hours of Sunday, August 17, 1969, delivering a high-energy show that included hits like “Dance to the Music,” “Everyday People,” “I Want to Take You Higher,” and “Sing a Simple Song.”
Their 1969 album Stand! and 1971’s There’s a Riot Goin’ On are considered landmark releases, influencing generations of artists across genres. Despite the band’s success, internal tensions and Stone’s growing struggles with drug addiction led to their eventual decline in the mid-1970s.
Following the group’s disbandment, Stone faded from the public eye but maintained a loyal following. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 and later honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.
