Funk And Soul Icon Sly Stone Passes Away, Aged 82

Sly Stone, one of the most iconic figures in the world of funk and soul music has passed away at the age of 82.

In a statement released to the media by his family, Stone’s passing was reported to have occurred following a “prolonged battle” with COPD – a progressive lung disease which affects breathing – amid “other underlying health issues.”

“Sly passed away peacefully, surrounded by his three children, his closest friend and his extended family,” the statement continues. “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.”

Stone was born Sylvester Stewart in 1943, entering the world of music in the '50s and ultimately rising to fame as the eponymous frontman of San Francisco funk and soul outfit Sly And The Family Stone.

Arguably one of the most influential and impactful groups of the genre, the band would perform at the Woodstock Festival in 1969 and release a total of ten albums between 1967 and 1982 – including classics such as Stand! and There's A Riot Goin' On.

The group would ultimately be impacted by drug use and internal problems, and would eventually split in 1983. Stone would become something of an elusive, enigmatic figure in the ensuing decades, being rarely seen in public.

In 1993, the group were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, and in 2006, Stone would appear at a Gammy Awards tribute to the band, marking his first public appearance in almost 20 years.

More recently, Stone was the subject of a documentary by The Roots’ Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson titled Sly Lives! (aka The Burden Of Black Genius) in early 2025, and just last week, the earliest-known recording of the band – from 1967 – was announced for release next month.

“Sly was a monumental figure, a groundbreaking innovator, and a true pioneer who redefined the landscape of pop, funk, and rock music,” his family’s statement added. “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.”