Renowned musician Sly Stone, known for his innovative, psychedelic-infused funk that captivated audiences in the late ’60s and early ’70s, has passed away at the age of 82. He died after battling COPD and other health issues, surrounded by his loved ones.
In a statement released by his family, they expressed their grief over Sly’s passing but found comfort in the fact that his remarkable musical legacy will live on for generations. Sly had recently completed a screenplay about his life story, a project the family plans to share with the world.
As a versatile artist – songwriter, producer, arranger, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and captivating performer – Sly Stone led his band Sly and the Family Stone to the top of the music charts with their innovative blend of soul and rock.
Earlier this year, his life and career were explored in the documentary “Sly Lives: aka the Burden of Black Genius,” directed by Questlove. The film highlighted Sly’s groundbreaking contributions to music, with Questlove praising him for revolutionizing music creation and production techniques.
Described as a trailblazer in integrated music, Sly Stone’s band defied conventions and brought together diverse talents and influences. His music, characterized by its vibrant energy and social commentary, had a lasting impact on the music industry and inspired artists like George Clinton and Prince.
Sly Stone’s influence extended to the realms of hip-hop and rap, with his music being sampled and emulated by artists such as De La Soul, Public Enemy, and the Beastie Boys. His pioneering spirit and eclectic style continue to resonate in modern music.
The loss of Sly Stone marks the end of an era in music, but his innovative spirit and trailblazing contributions will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.
In 1972, Sly Stone released “There’s a Riot Goin’ On,” blending jazz and street-smart funk, which became a favorite among musicians. Herbie Hancock paid tribute to Stone with the track “Sly” on his popular 1973 album “Head Hunters.” However, despite his initial success, Stone’s career took a downward spiral due to his drug abuse.
Stone’s manager, David Kapralik, recognized this downfall while watching footage of Stone’s legendary 1969 Woodstock performance, likening him to Icarus flying too close to the sun with wings of wax. Although Stone’s 1971 album “There’s a Riot Goin’ On” reached No. 1, the Family Stone began to fall apart during its recording. Subsequent releases on Epic and Warner Bros. saw declining commercial success, leading to the end of Stone’s major-label career by 1983.
In the following years, Stone faced legal troubles and sporadically resurfaced for chaotic concerts or public appearances. In 2011, he was reported as homeless and living in a van in Los Angeles. Stone expressed his frustration, pleading for a job and recognition for his music, stating, “I’m tired of all this s—t, man.”
Born Sylvester Stewart in Denton, Texas, Stone moved to Vallejo, California at a young age. Growing up in a musical family, he was involved in gospel music and made his recording debut at the age of 9. Throughout high school, he pursued music, earning the nickname “Sly” for his skills on various instruments. He later studied music theory at Vallejo Junior College.
Stone’s career took off in 1965 when he began producing music for Autumn Records in San Francisco, working with artists like Bobby Freeman and the Beau Brummels. Renamed “Sly Stone,” he became a popular DJ at Bay Area radio stations, blending soul and rock music on air.
In August 1966, Stone formed his own band, Sly and the Family Stone, featuring members like his brother Freddie and sister Rose. The band’s unique blend of soul and rock, along with their energetic performances, quickly gained popularity.
During their performances at Winchester Cathedral, a club located in Redwood City just south of San Francisco, a former Columbia Records promotion man caught the attention of Kapralik, the head of A&R at Columbia’s sister label Epic. Impressed by the act, Kapralik not only signed them but also took over as their manager. The group’s debut album in 1967, “A Whole New Thing,” did not chart well, prompting Kapralik to suggest crafting a more radio-friendly single. The resulting hit, “Dance to the Music,” soared to the top 10 of both pop and R&B charts, fueled by the band’s dynamic vocals, energetic horn charts, and infectious spirit.
Although subsequent albums like the self-titled follow-up and “Life” in 1968 did not achieve significant chart success, the group reached a high point with 1969’s “Stand!” This album, reaching No. 13 nationally, featured hits like “Everyday People,” “Sing a Simple Song,” the title track, and the powerhouse concert favorite “I Want to Take You Higher.”
The success of “Stand!” transformed the Family Stone into a sought-after concert attraction. Their performance at the Newport Jazz Festival in July 1969 caused a stir when fans breached the fences, leading to tighter security measures for future events. However, their iconic appearance at the Woodstock Art & Music Festival in August 1969, amid pouring rain and before a massive crowd, became a highlight of the subsequent documentary.
Despite their live acclaim, escalating drug use among Sly and the band members tarnished their reputation. In 1970, the Family Stone canceled numerous concert dates due to drug-related issues, including a riot in Chicago sparked by a missed show. The label, Epic, faced a two-year gap before the next album after “Stand!” but released successful singles like “Hot Fun in the Summertime” and “Thank You (Falletinme Be Mice Elf Again)” along with a hit compilation.
During this period, Sly retreated to a recording studio in L.A., increasingly consumed by drug use and surrounded by a turbulent entourage. His resulting album, “There’s a Riot Goin’ On,” reflected a more introspective and somber tone, driven by mechanical beats. Despite topping the charts and producing a No. 1 single, critics noted a lack of the joy and vitality seen in the band’s earlier work, attributing it to the tumultuous era and Sly’s deteriorating mental state.
Sly Stone’s career path took a tumultuous turn as he navigated various personal and professional challenges. After departing from the Family Stone, he released the album “Fresh” in 1972 with a mix of new and core band members, achieving success with a top-10 hit. His subsequent album, “Small Talk,” attempted to portray a happy family life but faced setbacks as his marriage to Kathy Silva ended in divorce amid accusations of drug abuse and violence.
Over the years, Sly Stone faced declining album sales and personal struggles, including legal issues and substance abuse. Despite sporadic musical collaborations and appearances, including work with Funkadelic and contributions to film soundtracks, Stone’s visibility waned as he grappled with personal demons.
Efforts to revive his career in the 2000s showed promise with appearances at notable events like the Grammy Awards and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. However, criticisms of limited engagement in live shows and issues with punctuality continued to shadow his performances.
Stone’s participation in European concerts with a revamped Family Stone lineup in the late 2000s generated mixed reviews, highlighting ongoing challenges in his professional endeavors. A notable performance at the Coachella Festival in 2010, alongside former bandmates and family members, showcased his enduring presence in the music industry despite persistent obstacles.
As a manager since the early 1990s, Goldstein was faced with a slander suit from his charge. In retaliation, Stone filed a $50 million lawsuit against Goldstein, alleging that the manager had unfairly withheld millions in publishing royalties. A Los Angeles jury eventually awarded Stone $5 million in this case in early 2015.
In August 2011, just a month before reports surfaced in the New York Post claiming Stone was homeless, his solo album “I’m Back! Family and Friends” was released by Cleopatra Records, an independent label based in Los Angeles. The album featured collaborations with notable artists such as Jeff Beck, Bootsy Collins, Johnny Winter, and the Doors’ Ray Manzarek. It included remakes of seven Family Stone hits, as well as remixes of three of those remakes, in addition to two new original songs and a rendition of the gospel track “His Eye Is on the Sparrow.” Despite the lack of critical acclaim, the album did not make it onto the charts.
In addition to his children with Silva and Robinson, Stone is survived by another daughter, L.A. musician Novena Carmel.
For more entertainment news and updates, sign up for Variety’s Newsletter and follow us on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
