LOS ANGELES (CNS) – Sly Stone, leader of the iconic funk/soul band Sly and the Family Stone, known for hits such as “Dance to the Music,” “Everyday People” and “I Want to Take You Higher,” died Monday at age 82, according to a statement from the family.
TMZ reported the musician died Monday in Los Angeles.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved dad, Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone,” his family said in a statement. “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.”
Born Sylvester Stewart in Texas, Stone developed his musical chops early in life, performing gospel tunes with brother Freddie and sister Rose. In the mid-60s, the siblings joined forces to create Sly and the Family Stone, quickly making a mark on the music world with the hits “Dance to the Music” and “Everyday People.”
Other hits followed, including “Family Affair,” “Hot Fun in the Summertime,” “If You Want Me to Stay,” “I Want to Take You Higher” and “Time for Livin’.”
According to the band’s official biography, Stone took on the name Sly after a classmate in grade school misspelled Sylvester. He became adept at the keyboards, guitar, bass and drums before his teenage years, and he played with several high school bands.
He later worked as a disc jockey in the Bay Area. By 1966 he was with a band known as Sly and the Stoners, while his brother Freddie was fronting a group known as Freddie and the Stone Souls. They combined forces to create Sly and the Family Stone — a racially and gender-mixed group — in early 1967.
The group quickly rose to fame, but friction started to build among some members, and some — including Stone — struggled with drug abuse. The band eventually broke up in the mid-1970s.
The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993. Stone was also featured in the documentary “Sly Lives! (aka the Burden of Black Genius)” released earlier this year by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson.
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