Funk legend Sly Stone dies aged 82 after ‘prolonged health battle’
He was surrounded by his family.
Sly Stone, best known as the frontman of The Family Stone, has died at age 82.
He was a pioneer of funk music in the late 60s and early 70s, known for his psychedelic and rock infusion into the genre.
In a statement, his family shared: ‘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.’
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung conditions which impact someone’s ability to breathe.
His family continued: ‘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 performing from an early age, first appearing on a gospel record by The Stewart Four at the age of nine with his siblings.
He had been battling COPD (Picture: Fotos International/ Rex/ Shutterstock)The Family Stone had numerous hits throughout the 60s, including three number one singles: Family Affair, Everyday People and Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin).
Other hits included I Want to Take You Higher, Hot Fun in the Summertime, and Dance to the Music.
They took to the stage in 1969 at the iconic Woodstock festival as well as the Harlem Cultural Festival.
He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, along with the Family Stone group and took part in a Sly and the Family Stone tribute at the 2006 Grammy Awards.
Born Sylvester Stewart on March 15, 1943, he grew up in Texas with his Pentecostal religious family.
He was best known as the frontman of the Family Stone (Picture: Bettmann Archive) What is Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the name for a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties.
It includes emphysema (damage to the air sacs in the lungs) and chronic bronchitis (long-term inflammation of the airways).
COPD is a common condition that mainly affects middle-aged or older adults who smoke. Symptoms include shortness of breath, a persistent chesty cough with phlegm and frequent chest infections.
The breathing problems tend to get gradually worse over time and can limit your normal activities, although treatment can help keep the condition under control.
Without treatment, the symptoms usually get progressively worse. The NHS advises people to see a GP if they have persistent symptoms.
The family 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.’
In a 2023 interview with the Guardian, Stone said: ‘I was always happy if someone took the things I was doing and they liked them enough to want to do them on their own. I’m proud that the music I made inspired people.’
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
