Sly Stone, funk pioneer behind Sly and the Family Stone, dead at 82
Sly Stone, the pioneering American musician and record producer known for leading Sly and the Family Stone, has died at the age of 82.
Born Sylvester Stewart in 1943, Stone became a leading figure in funk music in the 1960s and ‘70s, melding rock, gospel, psychedelia, and soul to create a brand-new sound that defined the following era. He paired his pioneering sound with progressive politics and a bold sense of artistry.
However, his journey through life was also chequered, and recently he has suffered from various health issues. “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,” a statement from his family reads (via Variety).
The statement continues: “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 one of the rare artists who attained widespread popular success while also being a musician’s musician. After founding Sly and the Family Stone in 1966 with his brother Freddie, Stone spearheaded a series of chart-topping hits, including ‘Dance to the Music,’ ‘Everyday People,’ and ‘I Want to Take You Higher.’
He reached the pinnacle of his career in 1969 with the group’s legendary appearance at Woodstock, but suffered a swift personal descent due to drug addiction in the 1970s. Nevertheless, the group still managed to muster up masterful releases like the 1971 album There’s a Riot Goin’ On and ’73s classic Fresh.
But alongside the hits and critical acclaim, an uncertainty began to beset his art. Struggling with addiction, he would frequently pull out of concerts at the last minute, and tales of his troubles were widespread in the press.
Still, his influence on other musicians was profound. Everyone from Miles Davis to Herbie Hancock cited his work as a key inspiration, and when rap and hip-hop emerged in the ‘80s, his music was sampled by the likes of Public Enemy, Ice Cube, and the Beastie Boys.
In a 2023 interview with The Guardian, Stone reflected on his wide-ranging influence, saying, “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.”
As his family’s statement aptly states, ”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.”
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