The Untold Story of Sly Stone: Hits That Made Him Famous, But Others Cashed In

Funk trailblazer Sly Stone, who departed this world on June 9, bequeathed a complex legacy that extends beyond mere musical innovation, serving as a stark warning about the dangers of artists losing control over their creations coupled with inadequate management. As the creative leader of Sly and the Family Stone, he played a crucial role in transforming Black music throughout the 1960s and 1970s, forging a distinct sound that would later inspire legends like Prince and Public Enemy. Yet, by 1984, Stone encountered severe financial turmoil, liquidating his publishing rights to Michael Jackson for just $1 million. While this amount is roughly equivalent to $3.1 million today, the long-term implications were catastrophic. His contract with manager Jerry Goldstein barred him from earning royalties, thrusting him into a cycle of debt and disarray. Nevertheless, Stone has cautiously reclaimed parts of his legacy, leading to the release of his memoir, “Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin,” in 2023 and his involvement in a documentary slated for 2025.