Sly Stone, legendary funk-rock musician, has died

Sly Stone, the frontman for the iconic band Sly and the Family Stone, has died. He was 82.

Photo: Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius). Searchlight Pictures.

Sly Stone, the frontman for Sly and the Family Stone — a band that played a key role in the development of funk music — has died. He was 82.

“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,” his family said in a statement. “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 continued."

The family announced that Stone had recently finished the screenplay for his life story before his death, a project they are “eager to share with the world in due course, which follows a memoir published in 2024.”

Born Sylvester Stewart in Denton, Texas, in 1943, Stone founded Sly and the Family Stone in 1966. The made waves in the genres of pop, funk and rock with hits like, "Everyday People," "Stand!" and "Family Affair."

Stone’s incredibly complex life was captured in “Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius),” a documentary from Questlove. It is avaliable to stream on Hulu. Watch the trailer below.