Sly Stone, the revolutionary musician and dynamic showman whose Sly and the Family Stone transformed popular music in the 1960s and ’70s with hits like “Everyday People,” “Stand!” and “Family Affair,” died Monday at age 82.
Stone, born Sylvester Stewart, had been in poor health in recent years and died in Los Angeles surrounded by family after contending with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other ailments, according to his publicist, Carleen Donovan.
The Context
Stone’s death marks the loss of an icon for funk rock music and popular culture. As leader of the first major integrated band to include Black and white men and women, Sly and the Family Stone shattered racial barriers while crafting a groundbreaking sound that influenced generations of musicians.
The band’s brief but profound reign from 1968 to 1971 captured the euphoria and eventual disillusionment of the Woodstock era, speaking for a generation through anthems of community and nonconformity.
What To Know
Founded in 1966, Sly and the Family Stone created an innovative fusion of jazz, psychedelic rock, doo-wop, soul and early funk grooves. The Bay Area sextet featured Stone on keyboards, Larry Graham on bass, Stone’s brother Freddie on guitar, sister Rose on vocals, plus Cynthia Robinson and Jerry Martini on horns and Greg Errico on drums.
The group’s breakthrough single “Dance to the Music” hit the top 10 in April 1968, launching an era when traditional Motown polish suddenly seemed dated. Led by Stone with his leather jumpsuits, goggle shades and mile-high Afro, the band dazzled at Woodstock in 1969 and released five top 10 singles, three hitting No. 1, plus a trio of million-selling albums including “Stand!” and “There’s a Riot Goin’ On.”
Stone’s influence extended far beyond his own recordings. The Jackson Five’s “I Want You Back” and the Temptations’ “I Can’t Get Next to You” mimicked his arrangements, while Miles Davis credited Stone as partial inspiration for “Bitches Brew.” Later artists from Prince to the Black Eyed Peas drew from his innovations, and countless hip-hop artists sampled his riffs.
By the early 1970s, Stone battled drug addiction and erratic behavior, becoming notorious for missing concerts. The group broke up by decade’s end, though Stone was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993. Questlove featured Stone prominently in recent documentaries “Summer of Soul” and 2025’s “Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius).”
What People Are Saying
Statement from the family of Sly Stone: “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.”
The statement continues: “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.”
Actress Holly Robinson Peete on X, formerly Twitter: “Rest in power, Sly Stone. You didn’t just make music—you shifted the culture. As kids in Philly, my brother played Sly, I was Cynthia on my imaginary horn. We lived your music. You gave us the groove & the message. Thank you, genius.”
Rap icon Chuck D on X: “Rest In Beats SLY Stone ..and we should THANK @questlove of @theroots for keeping his FIRE blazing in this Century. 2 documentaries and book . GET EM”
Entertainment publicist Danny Deraney on X: “Rest easy Sly Stone. You changed music (and me) forever. The time he won over Ed Sullivan’s audience in 1968. Simply magical.”
SiriusXM host Eric Alper on X: “RIP Sly Stone (1943–2025), the funk pioneer who made the world dance, think, and get higher. His music changed everything—and it still does.”
Writer Keith Murphy on X: “Giant. I can’t put into words the impact Sly Stone had on popular music. Blues, soul, pop, rock, funk were just toys in his sandbox. Sly’s genius was that it all came together seamlessly without pretentious wonkery. He did it all.”
Radio Hall of Fame media icon Donnie Simpson on X: “We lost a true legend today. He was 82 years old. Condolences to his family, friends, and fans. Thank you for your music and all that you gave us.”
Historian Harvey G. Cohen on X: “American musical life would’ve been totally different without Sly Stone. Bless you sir, and thanks.”
Sundance Film Festival on X: “Sly Stone changed music forever. A visionary, a rebel, a genius. His sound shaped generations and his spirit broke boundaries.”
What Happens Next
Stone’s family plans to share Sly’s recently completed screenplay for his life story. Memorial arrangements have yet to be announced.
A Statement From The Family of Sly Stone:It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved dad, Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone. pic.twitter.com/fui01RnzyR
— Sly Stone (@RealSlyStone) June 9, 2025
Reporting from the Associated Press contributed to this article.
The post Entertainment World Honors Sly Stone: Funk Legend Dead at 82 appeared first on Newsweek.
