Sly Stone, funk and soul legend and leader of the Family Stone, dies aged 82

9 June 2025, 22:02

Sly Stone was a musical genius and key figure in the history of funk and soul.

Sly Stone has died at the age of 82.

Born Sylvester Stewart, Sly was the leader of funk and soul legends Sly and the Family Stone.

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Sly passed away after a long battle with COPD and other health issues, his family confirmed in a statement today (June 9).

"Sly was a monumental figure, a groundbreaking innovator, and a true pioneer who redefined the landscape of pop, funk, and rock music," the statement read.

"His iconic songs have left an indelible mark on the world, and his influence remains undeniable."

Family Affair - Sly and the Family Stone | The Midnight Special

Sly formed Sly and the Family Stone in 1966, with the lineup including his brother Freddie and sister Rose.

They were best known for their four album run of Stand!, There's A Riot Goin' On, Fresh and Small Talk between 1969 and 1974.

The band also performed at Woodstock in 1969, the same year they played the Summer of Soul concert in Harlem.

There's A Riot Goin' On reguarly appears in rankings of the best albums of all time and featured the hit single 'Family Affair'.

Sucess and personal issues caused increasing tension and the band fell apart by 1975. Sly continued under the Family Stone name with varying lineups, before he seemingly retired by the end of the 1980s.

Sly and the Family Stone were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993. Sly had a short-lived 21st century return and in 2011 released the collaborations album I'm Back! Family & Friends.