This week, America lost a great pioneer of funk music. Legendary singer, songwriter, and musician Sly Stone died Monday (June 9) due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other health issues. The leader of Sly and the Family Stone was 82 years old.
Sly Stone was born Sylvester Stewart in Denton, Texas. He was raised in Vallejo, California. Stone ventured into the world of music when he worked as a disc jockey, in the 1960s, at San Francisco’s KSOL. He soon formed Sly and the Stoners - the band that renamed itself into the iconic Sly and the Family Stone.
Check out our selection of free stations streaming Sly and the Family Stone music at Live365.com.
Stone formed Sly and the Family Stone with three of his younger siblings: the singer and guitarist Freddie, singer and keyboardist Rose, and background singer Vet. They were joined in the band by bassist and vocalist Larry Graham, saxophonist Jerry Martini, trumpeter, Cynthia Robinson, and drummer Greg Errico.
Sly and the Family Stone were known for wearing flamboyant stage attire, as well as their adventurous blend of funk, R&B, soul, and Motown arrangements. Their music tackled a range of subject matter; from free-spirited dance tracks to songs confronting discrimination and political unrest. Their beloved song, "Everyday People," was an integral part of the Civil Rights Movement playlist.
Sly and the Family Stone released their first album, A Whole New Thing, in 1967. Several essential records - including Dance to the Music, the 1971 masterpiece There’s a Riot Goin’ On, and Fresh - followed before the original lineup released its last album, Small Talk, in 1974.
The next year, Sly Stone released his debut solo album, High on You, which still featured a number of his Family Stone bandmates. Sly and the Family Stone released their final album, Ain’t but the One Way, in 1982.
Following the breakup of his band, Sly Stone grew more reclusive, although he did attend the group’s 1993 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Later, in 2006, Stone gave his first public performance since 1987 at the 2006 Grammy Awards as part of a Family Stone tribute.
Many artists have paid their respects to Stone's legacy - the most notable among them being Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson. In recent years, he released his documentary Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius), and featured a performance from Stone's band in the Academy Award-winning documentary Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised).
“Sly was a giant — not just for his groundbreaking work with the Family Stone, but for the radical inclusivity and deep human truths he poured into every note,” Questlove wrote on Instagram. “His songs weren’t just about fighting injustice; they were about transforming the self to transform the world.”
Additionally, Stone released his memoir, Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) in October 2023. (Questlove wrote the foreword for the book.) Soon, High Moon Records will release The First Family: Live at the Winchester Cathedral 1967: an album capturing Sly and the Family Stone’s earliest known concert recording.
Stone passed away peacefully on Monday, surrounded by family. He was previously married to model and actress Kathy Silva, and is survived by three children.
Read a statement from the family of Sly Stone below.
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. 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.
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.
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.
Check out our selection of free stations streaming Sly and the Family Stone music at Live365.com.
Rather listen on our app? Download the Live365 app on iOS or Android. Ready to start your own station? Contact one of our Product Consultants or visit our website today. Keep up with the latest news by following us on Facebook (Live365 (Official) and Live365 Broadcasting) and Twitter (@Live365 and @Broadcast365)! You can also shop Live365 swag and branded merchandise at store.live365.com.
Article Image: A close-up of Sly Stone singing into a microphone, 1982. (Sarfatims [CC BY 4.0] via Wikimedia Commons)
