Sly Stone, the trailblazing musician and frontman of Sly and the Family Stone, passed away on June 9, 2025, at the age of 82. His family confirmed that he died peacefully at his Los Angeles home after a prolonged battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other health complications. He was surrounded by his three children, his closest friend, and extended family at the time of his passing.
Born Sylvester Stewart on March 15, 1943, in Denton, Texas, Stone was raised in Vallejo, California, in a deeply religious household. A musical prodigy, he mastered multiple instruments and began his career as a gospel singer alongside his siblings. In the mid-1960s, he worked as a disc jockey and producer, laying the groundwork for his revolutionary approach to music.
In 1966, Stone formed Sly and the Family Stone, a racially integrated, mixed-gender band that broke new ground in the music industry. Their fusion of funk, soul, rock, and psychedelia produced timeless hits like “Dance to the Music,” “Everyday People,” and “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin).” The band’s performance at the 1969 Woodstock Festival is remembered as one of the event’s most electrifying moments.
The 1971 album “There’s a Riot Goin’ On” marked a shift in Stone’s music, reflecting the disillusionment of the era with a darker, more introspective tone. Despite concerns from his record label, the album was a commercial success and is now considered a masterpiece that influenced countless artists.
However, Stone’s career was marred by personal struggles, including drug addiction and erratic behavior, which led to the band’s dissolution in the mid-1970s. He released several solo albums with limited success and largely retreated from the public eye. In later years, reports surfaced of Stone living in a van and facing financial difficulties.
A resurgence of interest in Stone’s life and work emerged in the 2020s. In 2023, he published his autobiography, “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin),” and in 2024, the documentary “Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius),” directed by Questlove, premiered, offering an intimate look at his legacy.
Stone is survived by his three children: Sylvester Jr., from his marriage to Kathy Silva; Sylvyette, also known as Phunne, from his relationship with bandmate Cynthia Robinson; and Novena Carmel, a singer and radio host.
His family released a statement expressing their profound sadness and gratitude for the outpouring of love and support, emphasizing that his extraordinary musical legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
Sly Stone’s innovative spirit and commitment to social unity through music have left an indelible mark on the industry, influencing artists across genres and generations.