Sly Stone, the pioneering frontman of Sly and the Family Stone, a band whose groundbreaking fusion of funk, soul, R&B, rock, and psychedelic music profoundly shaped popular music, has died. He was 82.
Stone’s family announced his passing in a statement released on Monday, June 9.
Remembering Sly Stone – frontman of one of the most iconic funk bands of all time
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“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved dad, Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone,” the statement read. “After a prolonged battle with COPD and other underlying health conditions, Sly passed away peacefully, surrounded by his three children, his closest friend, and his extended family. Although we mourn his loss deeply, we find comfort in knowing his extraordinary musical legacy will resonate and inspire generations to come.”
The statement continued, describing Stone as “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. Reflecting his enduring creative spirit, Sly recently completed a screenplay based on his life, a project we look forward to sharing in due course, following the publication of his memoir in 2024.”
“We extend our deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love and prayers during this difficult time,” the family concluded. “We wish peace and harmony to all who were touched by Sly’s life and iconic music. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your unwavering support.”
Sly and the Family Stone, which included two of Sly Stone’s siblings, achieved massive commercial success with hits like “Dance to the Music,” “Everyday People,” and “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin).” However, internal conflicts and Sly’s struggles with drug addiction eventually led to the group’s breakup in the 1980s.
Born Sylvester Stewart in Denton, Texas, in 1943, Sly moved with his family to California at a young age. He started performing at age four, singing alongside his siblings in a church choir. His nickname “Sly” arose from a classmate’s misspelling, and after adopting the stage surname “Stone,” his siblings Freddie and Rose, who both became members of the band, followed suit.
The band officially formed in 1967, releasing their debut album, A Whole New Thing, later that same year. Despite their groundbreaking influence on music, personal troubles plagued Sly. In 1983, he was arrested in Florida on cocaine possession charges. He entered rehab voluntarily in 1996; at that time, his son, Sylvester Jr., told People magazine, “He went in by choice, to concentrate on getting healthier. He’s had problems because he hasn’t been able to grow up. He’s meant no harm to anyone.”
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In 1993, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, though Sly remained distant from his former bandmates, appearing only briefly at the ceremony’s conclusion.
After largely withdrawing from public life, Sly resurfaced briefly during a tribute performance at the 2006 Grammy Awards but exited the stage mid-performance. He made limited appearances with the group afterward. In 2017, he was honored with the Recording Academy’s lifetime achievement award.
Sly published his memoir, Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin), in 2023, its title referencing the group’s iconic 1970 single. In the book, he reflected on the complexities surrounding stories about his life: “They’re trying to set the record straight. But a record’s not straight, especially when you’re not. It’s a circle with a spiral inside it. Every time a story is told, it’s a test of memory and motive.… It isn’t evil, but it isn’t good. It’s the name of the game, but a shame just the same.”
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The documentary Sly Lives! (aka the Burden of Black Genius) by Questlove premiered in 2025, examining Sly’s influential yet turbulent career.
Despite his personal struggles, Sly told The Guardian in 2023, “I never lived a life I didn’t want to live.”
Rest in peace.