Sly Stone, one of the early pioneers of funk music, died on Monday, June 9, 2025. He was 82 years old.
A statement issued by his family reads, “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 generations. 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.”
Stone, born Sylvester Stewart, was the second of five children. Born to deeply religious parents, Stone and his siblings were brought up as such. A child prodigy, Stone had mastered the keyboard at seven. By eleven, he was proficient in guitar, bass and drums. Growing up, Stone, his brother Freddie, and his two sisters Loretta and Rose formed the Stewart Four, performing gospel music and locally releasing the single “On the Battlefield.”
Starting his career as a disc jockey in California, he eventually formed a band with his brother, called Sly and the Family Stone. Initially known for their gospel music, the group gradually turned to blending musical styles including psychedelia and funk. He played a major role in introducing James Brown’s foundational innovations for ‘funk’, an Afrocentric style of music to a broader audience.
The band came to be known for their diverse music, becoming the first group to include both black and white musicians. The group released five top-10 singles and three-million-selling albums. Even though their debut album was mildly received, it included their first hit single “Dance to the Music”, which was later included in the 1968 album of the same name. It was their fourth album Stand!, released in 1969, that brought them major success. The album sold more than three million copies, and it also featured their number-one hit single “Everyday People”.
The group began touring shortly after their 1969 rise to fame and were known for their memorable performances, including the one at the Woodstock festival in 1969. Bob Marley and his group, The Wailers, even opened for one of their shows in 1973.
The group lasted till the mid-70s, when internal strife as well as Stone’s drug use and erratic behavior caused the group to fall apart. Stone’s later solo career was largely unsuccessful, and his later life was plagued by homelessness and various health issues. Despite such misfortunes, his lasting influence on music is undeniable. According to funk legend George Clinton, “He had the sensibility of the street, the church, and then, like, the qualities of a Motown, you know, Smokey Robinson — He was all of that in one person,” he told CBS.
Sly and the Family Stone was inducted into the Rock and Roll of Fame in 1993. In 2023, Sly released an autobiography entitled Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) and in 2024, a documentary on the group directed by Questlove titled “Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius)” was released.
Stone is survived by his children, Sylvester Jr., Slyvette Phunne and Novena Carmel, and his grandchildren.
