Sly Stone, legendary frontman of Sly and the Family Stone, dies at 82

Sylvester Stewart, aka Sly Stone, passed away at the age of 82 today. People considered him one of the most outstanding musicians of the 20th century, and he led Sly and the Family Stone, which ruled over the music scene for years in the mid-1960s and early 70s. His family confirmed the news via a statement and stated the cause of his death as well.

"It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved dad, Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone. 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."

While remembering the great musician, Sly Stone’s family also announced plans to release a script about his life, which hopes to preserve his legacy.

"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."

Fans from across the world honored Sly Stone by expressing their condolences when he passed away. Stone’s family expressed their appreciation for the messages and support given by the fans during the trying times.

"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."

Sly Stone - A brief history

Born in Texas in 1943, Sylvester Stewart impressed people with his music skills by singing in his family’s gospel group as a kid. After the move to California, he became a DJ and learned to play several instruments. All of these experiences later influenced his music.

By including both men and women of mixed races, Sly and the Family Stone changed the norm for recording and performing bands at the time. Starting in 1966, Sly and the Family Stone made songs that people still remember today, such as Everyday People and Family Affair. Apart from Sly, Freddie, Rose, Cynthia Robinson, Greg Errico, Jerry Martini, and Larry Graham were also part of the band.

The problem with substance abuse and his erratic behavior due to his marriage difficulties brought about the downfall of Sly Stone’s career and even caused the band to part ways in the mid-1970s. After his early success, Sly Stone’s achievements started to differ greatly from what he had achieved previously.

In spite of his attempts to reinvent himself and come out fighting, he never quite reached the same heights again. However, his pioneering work as an artist has stood the test of time and also inspired several artists, who have later gone on to credit Stone for his influence in their lives.

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There have been attempts made to capture his persona on screen in the form of a documentary as well, which was released back in 2024.

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