Funk and soul pioneer Sly Stone has died aged 82
The Family Stone singer was known for hits including ‘Family Affair’ and ‘If You Want Me To Stay’
Funk and soul pioneer Sly Stone, real name Sylvester Stewart, has died aged 82 following a “prolonged” battle with lung disease COPD, his family have confirmed.
Stewart’s family broke the news on Instagram on June 9, writing: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved dad, Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone.”
His family explained that Stewart had suffered “underlying health issues” alongside COPD, and 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,” they wrote.
Under his Sly Stone stage name, Stewart banded together with his family to form the group Sly and the Family Stone, who innovatively merged the sounds of soul, funk, gospel, and psychedelia.
In 1969, the San Francisco native would perform at Woodstock Festival, later securing hit songs alongside his family band, including ‘Family Affair’, ‘Everyday People’, and ‘If You Want Me To Stay’.
His pioneering sound of funk saw him rise to fame alongside the likes of James Brown, leading the way for generations of talent to come.
His work would also go on to influence the world of dance music, with artists such as Fatboy Slim sampling his music in recent decades, and DJ Premier noting the impact Stewart's music had on his own in a new tribute.
In 1993, Stewart was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and would go on to win a GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017 alongside Nina Simone, The Velvet Underground, and Shirley Caesar.
“Sly was a monumental figure, a groundbreaking innovator, and a true pioneer who redefined the landscape of pop, funk, and rock music,” his family wrote. “His iconic songs have left an indelible mark on the world, and his influence remains undeniable.”
Stewart had recently completed a screenplay for his life story, his family also confirmed, which they are “eager to share” with his fans in “due course”.
Read some tributes below.
