Sly Stone, Leader of Sly and the Family Stone, Dies at 82
Sly Stone, the influential musician behind Sly and the Family Stone, passed away at the age of 82. He died on June 9, 2025, in Los Angeles, surrounded by his children, a close friend, and extended family. His passing followed a long fight with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and related health issues.
Born Sylvester Stewart in 1943 in Denton, Texas, and raised in Vallejo, California, Stone became a central figure in shaping modern music. He formed Sly and the Family Stone in the late 1960s. The group stood out for its mix of racial and gender diversity and its blend of funk, soul, rock, and psychedelic styles. Their message centered on equality, inclusion, and social change. Their catalog includes well-known songs such as “Everyday People,” “Dance to the Music,” “Family Affair,” “I Want to Take You Higher,” “Hot Fun in the Summertime,” and “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin).”
Quick facts:
- Born in Denton, Texas; raised in Vallejo, California
- Formed Sly and the Family Stone in 1966-67
- Known for diverse band lineup and songs with social themes
- Popular tracks include: “Everyday People,” “Dance to the Music,” “Family Affair”
- Performed at Woodstock in August 1969
- Faced addiction, entered rehab in 1996, sober since 2019
- Memoir released in 2023
- Documentary premiered in February 2025
- Finished a personal screenplay before passing
Woodstock Legend
The band’s set at Woodstock in August 1969 is still considered a highlight in music history. Despite personal challenges, including a 1983 arrest for cocaine possession and rehab in 1996, Stone experienced a personal turnaround. He gave up drugs in 2019. In 2023, he released a memoir. A documentary titled Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius) premiered in February 2025. He also finished writing a screenplay about his life not long before he died.
“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,” his family said.
Stone’s creative voice and efforts toward unity continue to influence music and culture today.
More…
- https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2025/06/09/sly-stone-dead-sly-and-the-family-stone-copd/75210078007/
- https://people.com/sly-stone-private-health-battle-revealed-after-death-11751127
- https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sly-and-the-family-stone-dead-obituary-1234810064/
- Latest News OverHereNY