Sly Stone, the pioneering funk musician and frontman of Sly and the Family Stone, has died at the age of 82. Stone passed away peacefully on Monday, June 9, 2025, in Los Angeles, surrounded by his three children, closest friend, and extended family, according to a statement released by his family. The statement revealed that Stone had been battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other underlying health issues.

Born Sylvester Stewart on March 15, 1943, in Denton, Texas, Stone's musical journey began early. His family, deeply involved in the Church of God in Christ, encouraged musical expression. By the age of eight, Sylvester and his siblings Freddie, Rose, and Vaetta, formed "the Stewart Four," performing gospel music in church. The family later moved to Vallejo, California, where Stone continued to hone his musical skills, mastering keyboards, guitar, bass, and drums by age eleven.

In high school, Stone formed a multi-racial doo-wop group called The Viscaynes, showcasing his early commitment to integration. He furthered his musical education at Vallejo Junior College, studying composition and theory. By the mid-1960s, he was working as a popular disc jockey for R&B radio station KSOL in San Mateo, California, where he integrated white artists like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones into his playlists. During this time, he also worked as a staff record producer for Autumn Records, producing for predominantly white San Francisco-area bands, including The Beau Brummels and The Mojo Men.

In 1966, Stone merged his band, Sly & the Stoners, with his brother Freddie's band, Freddie & the Stone Souls, forming Sly and the Family Stone. This groundbreaking group was one of the first major American rock bands to feature a racially integrated, mixed-gender lineup. The band's unique sound, a fusion of soul, rock, psychedelia, and gospel, played a pivotal role in the development of funk music.

Sly and the Family Stone achieved mainstream success with hits like "Dance to the Music," "Everyday People," "Hot Fun in the Summertime," and "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)." Their music often carried messages of peace, love, and social commentary, reflecting the turbulent times of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The band's performance at the Woodstock Festival in 1969 was a defining moment in their career, solidifying their place in music history.

However, the band's success was marred by Stone's increasing drug use and erratic behavior. By the mid-1970s, Sly and the Family Stone began to dissolve. Stone continued to record and tour with a rotating lineup under the same name, but his personal struggles overshadowed his musical output.

Despite his challenges, Sly Stone's influence on music remained undeniable. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 as a member of Sly and the Family Stone. In later years, he made sporadic public appearances, including a tribute performance at the 2006 Grammy Awards. In 2023, he released his autobiography, "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)," offering a rare glimpse into his life and career.

"Sly was a monumental figure, a groundbreaking innovator, and a true pioneer who redefined the landscape of pop, funk, and rock music," his family said in their statement. "His iconic songs have left an indelible mark on the world, and his influence remains undeniable." His family also revealed that Stone had recently completed the screenplay for his life story, a project they hope to share with the world.

Sly Stone's legacy as a musical visionary and innovator will continue to inspire generations of artists and fans.