Sly Stone dead at 82 after long health battle as family mourns Sly and the Family Stone singer as ‘true pioneer’
MUSIC legend Sly Stone, frontman of Sly and the Family Stone, has passed away at the age of 82, The U.S. Sun has learned.
The musician’s death comes after a “prolonged battle” with COPD, otherwise known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, as well as struggles with “other underlying health issues.”
In a statement sent to The U.S. Sun, a rep for the pioneer of funk music said on behalf of his family: “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 for generations to come.”
The statement continued: “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.”
Sly and the Family Stone formed as a funk band in San Francisco in 1966.
The group would go on to be pivotal in the development of not only funk music, but also soul, R&B, rock, and psychedelic tunes up until they disbanded in 1983.
During their 20 years as a band, Sly and the Family Stone included two of Sly’s actual siblings, his brother Freddie Stone and sister Rose Stone – who was the group’s keyboardist.
They released huge hits like Dance to the Music, Everyday People and Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin).
However, his substance abuse and concerning behavior heavily impacted the group, which split up for a final time in 1983.
SLY GUY
Sly, whose full name is Sylvester Stewart, was born in Denton, Texas, in 1943.
His family soon moved to Northern California, where the youngster began singing in his church choir alongside his siblings from the age of 4.
The star got his nickname, Sly, from elementary school classmates who misspelled his name Sylvester.
He began performing as a kid, often labeled as a child protégé, and in high school, he was joined by his siblings as the group began to take performing more seriously.
They released their debut album, A Whole New Thing, in 1967.
Dance to the Music, their first hit single, was also released that same year.
A STAR IS BORN
They reached their highest success two years later with the release of their album Stand, which came out in 1969.
The record included their biggest hits, Everyday People, Hot Fun in the Summertime and Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)/Everybody Is a Star.
Their success continued to climb, however, in the 1970s, Sly struggled with heavy drug use and missed roughly a third of the band’s scheduled concerts.
His struggles would continue until the band ultimately broke up in 1983.
During this time, Sly was married to Kathy Silva, whom he wed in 1974 – but the couple separated just two years later.
Together, they share son Sylvester Jr., who was born in 1973.
Sly also has a daughter, Sylvyette, with bandmate Cynthia Robinson, as well as another daughter, Novena Carmel, who is a singer.