Sly Stone, the boundary-breaking musical genius who forever transformed pop, funk, soul, and rock with his band Sly and the Family Stone, has died at the age of 81.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved dad, Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone,” read a formal statement from the family. “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.”
Born Sylvester Stewart in Denton, Texas in 1943 and raised in Northern California, Stone emerged as a prodigious talent from a young age. His early work as a radio DJ and session musician laid the foundation for what would become a seismic shift in American music. With the formation of Sly and the Family Stone in 1966, he introduced a revolutionary new sound—a fusion of funk, rock, gospel, and psychedelic soul—with a band that was proudly interracial and gender-integrated, at a time when such representation was virtually unheard of.
Their breakout hit “Dance to the Music” launched them into the national spotlight, but it was the band’s socially conscious anthems—like “Everyday People,” “Stand!,” and “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)”—that cemented Sly’s place in music history. As both frontman and producer, his fearless creativity and refusal to conform challenged the industry and inspired generations of artists across genres.
Sly Stone was more than a musician—he was a cultural force. His bold style, visionary arrangements, and commitment to truth-telling through music made him a beacon for those seeking authenticity in an era of immense social change. Artists ranging from Prince to OutKast, Janet Jackson to Kendrick Lamar have cited his work as foundational to their own creative journeys.
Despite his retreat from the spotlight in later years, Stone’s contributions never faded. In 2024, he published a memoir titled Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin), offering a raw and personal glimpse into his life and legacy. Just prior to his death, he completed the screenplay for his life story—a project his family hopes to bring to the screen in the near future.
“We extend our deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love and prayers during this difficult time,” the family said. “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 Stone leaves behind a towering legacy—one that broke barriers, lifted spirits, and changed music forever.
