Sly Stone. Photo via publicist
Sly Stone, a pioneer of the funk genre with Sly and the Family Stone born Sylvester Stewart whose iconoclasm touched every corner of popular music and beyond, has died at age 82. His family announced his passing and cause of death through a publicist: “After a prolonged battle with COPD [chronic obstructive pulmonary disease] and other underlying health issues, Sly passed away peacefully, surrounded by his three children, his closest friend, and his extended family.”
The release continues: “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.” It is also revealed that Stone had completed a screenplay based on his life prior to his passing, which his family hopes to “share with the world in due course.”
Stone was born in Denton, Texas. A child musical prodigy, Sly enlisted his brothers Freddie and Rose to form Sly and the Family Stone in 1966. Groundbreaking both in its development of the funk genre and for its multi-racial, gender diverse lineup, the Family Stone saw massive critical and commercial success for songs like “Dance to the Music,” “Everyday People,” and “Family Affair,” as well as the 1971 masterpiece There’s A Riot Goin On. The original lineup of the Family disbanded in 1975; Stone reformed the group with new members for three more albums before finally ending the project in 1982.
Stone subsequently retreated from the public eye. He only made sparing appearances in public on record, even declining to appear at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for the Family Stone’s induction. In February 2006 he appeared at the Grammys for a Family Stone tribute, his first live performance since 1987. However just three years later, the documentary film Coming Back For More alleged that Stone had been made homeless over a royalty payment dispute.
In 2011, Stone released his second solo album I’m Back! Family & Friends via CLeoppatra Rceords. His memoir Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) was published in 2023.
Read the full statement from the family 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.
