Sly Stone, the frontman of the band Sly and the Family Stone, had died. He was 82.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved dad, Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone,” his family shared in a Monday, June 9, statement. “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.”
According to the World Health Organization, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema, is a common lung disease causing restricted airflow and breathing issues.
The statement went on to share that while his family “mourn[s] his absence” they will also “take solace in knowing that his extraordinary musical legacy will continue to resonate and inspire for generations to come.”
“Sly was a monumental figure, a groundbreaking innovator, and a true pioneer who redefined the landscape of pop, funk, and rock music,” the message read. “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.”
The family ended their statement by expressing their “deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love and prayers during this difficult time.”
“We wish peace and harmony to all who were touched by Sly’s life and iconic music,” they said. “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your unwavering support.”
After working as a record producer and a disc jockey at a radio station in San Francisco, Sly, his brother, Freddie Stone, and his sister, Rose Stone, formed Sly and the Family Stone alongside Cynthia Robinson, Greg Errico, Jerry Martini and Larry Graham.
The group went on to release several Billboard Hot 100 hits, including “Dance to the Music,” “Everyday People,” and “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)”. Although the band disbanded in the late 70s due to Sly’s drug use, the group was later inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 and Sly received a Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.
Sly continued to make rare public appearances throughout the years, including reuniting for a performance at the 2006 Grammy Awards with Sly and the Family Stone. He also released his memoir Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) in 2023.
While Sly struggled with drug addiction for several years, he revealed that he finally got sober in 2019 after his drug use landed him in the hospital four times in the span of just a few weeks.
“That time, I not only listened to the doctor but believed him,” he told The Guardian in 2023. “I realized that I needed to clean up. I concentrated on getting strong so that I could get clean. My kids visited me at the hospital. My grandkids visited me. I left with purpose.”
Sly is survived by his son, Sylvester Jr., daughters Sylvyette and Novena along with his three grandchildren.
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