Sly Stone, Funk-Rock Pioneer, Dies at 82

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Legendary musician Sly Stone, known for electrifying crowds with his unforgettable shows at Woodstock and Fillmore West, struggled with drug issues and occasional absences throughout his career. Sadly, he passed away at the age of 82.

Stone passed away following a long-term struggle against chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and various additional health complications, as stated by his family on Monday.

With deep sorrow, we share the news of the passing of our cherished father, Sly Stone, one-half of Sly and the Family Stone. In a statement, the family revealed that Sly passed away tranquilly, in the presence of his three children, his dearest friend, and extended relatives. Although we grieve his departure, we find comfort knowing his remarkable musical inheritance will live on, touching and inspiring countless future generations.

1968 saw Sly and the Family Stone making a dynamic entrance onto the music scene with their energizing hit “Dance to the Music,” which was followed by a succession of popular crossover songs that encapsulated San Francisco’s “Summer of Love” spirit. Their repertoire included chart-toppers like “Stand!”, “Hot Fun in the Summertime”, “Runnin’ Away”, “If You Want Me to Stay”, and “Time for Livin’.

In 1993, the band received recognition in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, influencing a wide range of artists such as Herbie Hancock, George Clinton’s P-Funk, Michael Jackson, Curtis Mayfield, Bob Marley, The Isley Brothers, Prince, Public Enemy, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Black Eyed Peas, The Roots, OutKast, and Kendrick Lamar. This year, there has been much debate centered around the life of Stone due to the release of Questlove’s documentary titled “Sly Lives, ” which garnered critical praise earlier this year.

Sly was a significant figure, a trailblazing creator, and a true trailblazer who reshaped the face of pop, funk, and rock music, according to his family. His legendary songs have left an indelible imprint on the globe, and his impact continues to be strong. As evidence of his ongoing creative energy, Sly recently finished writing the script for his life story, a venture we are excited to eventually reveal to the world, which follows a memoir that was published in 2024.

15th March, 1943 saw the birth of Sylvester Stewart in Denton, Texas. His family, deeply religious, were Christians who carried their faith with them when they relocated to Vallejo, California, a suburb situated northwest of San Francisco. Growing up in an environment saturated with church music, he was just 8 years old when he and three of his siblings recorded a gospel single as The Stewart Four.

As a kid known as “Sly” in school, I was no stranger to musical instruments by the age of 11, mastering keyboards, guitar, bass, and drums. During my high school years, I played in various bands, one of them being The Viscaynes. This band stood out with its unique mixed lineup, a rarity back then, and even managed to release a few singles.

Following his time at Vallejo Junior College, Stone secured a position as an energetic DJ at San Francisco’s R&B radio station KSOL. There, his diverse musical preferences fueled his growing popularity by blending new British bands such as The Beatles, The Animals, and The Rolling Stones into the station’s soul-focused playlist.

When he finally presented his show at KDIA across town, he had been making records for the local label, Autumn Records, thanks to DJ Tom Donahue’s recommendation. Notably, this company was where several Bay Area bands like The Beau Brummels, The Charlatans, The Great Society, and The Mojo Men found their footing. In 1964, Stone was instrumental in producing Bobby Freeman’s Top-5 pop hit “C’mon and Swim.

Following the helm of a band known as Sly and the Stoners, which included trumpet player Cynthia Robinson, Sly added his brother Freddie on guitar, sister Rose on keyboards, Gregg Errico on drums, Jerry Martini on saxophone, and Larry Graham on bass to round out Sly and the Family Stone.

After establishing a band called Sly and the Stoners with Cynthia Robinson on trumpet, Sly recruited his brother Freddie on guitar, sister Rose on keyboards, Gregg Errico on drums, Jerry Martini on saxophone, and Larry Graham on bass to join Sly and the Family Stone.

Lastly:

Sly led a band known as Sly and the Stoners, which included Cynthia Robinson on trumpet. He then enlisted his brother Freddie for guitar, sister Rose for keyboards, Gregg Errico for drums, Jerry Martini for saxophone, and Larry Graham for bass to become part of Sly and the Family Stone.

They attracted the attention of Epic Records, which ultimately led to them signing a contract and releasing their first album titled “A Whole New Thing” towards the end of the Summer of Love in 1967.

Even though it received positive reviews, the release of “A Whole New Thing” didn’t seem to connect with its audience. Yet, the unveiling of a fresh track titled “Dance to the Music,” from the same-named album, soared up the pop and R&B charts, reaching the top 10.

In late 1968, “Everyday People” (alongside its B-side “Sing a Simple Song”) was released and later featured on the album Stand!. This marked the breakthrough of the band, reaching No. 1 on both pop and R&B charts. The title track, along with its B-side “I Want To Take You Higher,” followed suit. Stand! peaked at No. 3 on the R&B chart and No. 13 on the pop chart, making it the band’s first platinum album. Notable non-singles from the album include “Sex Machine.

Without a Doubt, “There’s a Riot Goin’ On” is considered Sly & the Family Stone’s magnum opus, both critically and financially. Within weeks of its November 1971 release, it reached number one on both the Pop and R&B album charts. This groundbreaking work, exploring themes of race and music, served as a blueprint for future artists like Kanye West and Kendrick Lamar, eventually being inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.

1973 saw Sly and the Family Stone’s final grand performance with their hit single “If You Want Me to Stay” release in June. During that time, the departure of members Graham and Errico accelerated the eventual disbandment of the group.

Moving forward with Epic Records, Sly recorded “High on You” in the year 1975 and followed it up with “Heard Ya Missed Me, Well I’m Back” the following year.

Or more casually:

Sly put out “High on You” through Epic in ’75 and came back a year later with “Heard Ya Missed Me, Well I’m Back”.

In June 1983, Stone was arrested in Fort Myers, Florida, and charged with cocaine possession.

I’ve had the privilege of sharing stages with Bobby Womack, collaborated with Jesse Johnson, and dropped numerous tracks, some from movie soundtracks. For instance, “Eek-a-Boo Static Automatic” from the 1986 film “Soul Man”, and “I’m the Burglar” for the 1987 flick “Burglar”.

After that point, his appearances became infrequent. However, he made exceptions for his Rock Hall induction and the 2006 Grammys. During these events, he joined an unusual multi-artist tribute to the band, which included John Legend, Fantasia, Adam Levine, Ciara, Steven Tyler, and Joe Perry. Partway through their rendition of “I Want to Take You Higher,” he suddenly bid farewell and vanished into the night.

Legendary musician Sly Stone is mourned by his son Sylvester Jr., born to his first wife Kathy Silva, as well as his daughters Sylvette, who was raised by Cynthia Robinson, and Novena Carmel.

I, speaking on behalf of Sly’s family, want to express our heartfelt appreciation for the incredible outpouring of love and prayers during these trying times. May peace and harmony be with everyone whose lives were touched by Sly’s extraordinary music and life. From the deepest corners of our hearts, we thank you for your unwavering support.

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2025-06-09 22:55