Legendary Funk Musician Sly Stone Has Died
The Sly & The Family Stone bandleader was 82 years old.
By Scott Bernstein Jun 9, 2025 • 12:43 pm PDT
Sly Stone, the trailblazing leader of Sly & the Family Stone, has died at age 82. Stone’s death was confirmed in a statement released by his family.
Sly & The Family Stone released such iconic songs as “I Want To Take You Higher,” “Dance To The Music,” “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)” and “Everyday People” in the late-1960s and early-1970s. Stone’s music was heavy on funk and laced with elements of rock, R&B, soul and gospel.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved dad, Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone,” the statement began. “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,” the statement continued. “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,” added Stone’s family. “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.”
Sylvester Stewart was born on March 15, 1943 in Denton, Texas and raised in the Bay Area. Stone formed Freddie & the Stoners, while his brother Freddie fronted Freddie & the Soul Stones. The siblings brought together the ensembles in 1966 to create Sly & The Family Stone.
The band broke new ground musically and as a racially integrated group. Sly & The Family Stone released their debut album, A Whole New Thing, in 1967. That November, “Dance To Music” helped the outfit break through commercially, peaking at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Sly & The Family Stone followed with the albums Dance To The Music and Life in 1968. The band’s fourth album, Stand!, arrived in 1969 and was a creative masterpiece. Stand! includes such iconic songs as “Sing A Simple Song,” “Everyday People,” “I Want To Take You Higher” and its title track.
1971’s There’s A Riot Goin’ On saw the group delve more into politics and featured a harder edge. Fresh came two years later and saw the group return to a lighter sound.
Sly and some of his bandmates became increasingly dependent on drugs, which led to turmoil and disharmony among them. Stone also began behaving more erratically.
Band members left the project, and the group eventually disbanded in 1975. Stone put out four albums as a solo artist but never achieved the commercial success of the output from the Family Stone’s heyday.
Sly & The Family Stone were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993. Stone appeared at the ceremony and then retreated from the spotlight through 2006.
Stone’s last few decades saw his health decline and were marked by legal issues. He put out a memoir, Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin), in 2023. Sly was survived by his children Sylvester Jr., Sylvette and Novena Carmel.
