Legendary Funk Pioneer Sly Stone Passes Away at 82 After Courageous Fight with COPD

Sylvester “Sly” Stewart—widely recognized as Sly Stone, the dynamic frontman of the influential band Sly and the Family Stone—has passed away at the age of 82. His family disclosed that he peacefully departed at his residence in Los Angeles, surrounded by loved ones, following a struggle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other health issues. Born on March 15, 1943, in Denton, Texas, Stone relocated with his family to Vallejo, California, during his youth. He began his musical journey in Gospel at eight, joining his siblings in the Stewart Four. By his teenage years, he was already breaking racial barriers in music. In 1966, Sly and his brother Freddie united their bands, forming a culturally groundbreaking collective. Hits like “Dance to the Music" and “Everyday People” defined a generation. Despite personal challenges later, including drug dependency, Stone's impact on music remains profound, inspiring many artists and reshaping genres. He is survived by three children.