A revolutionary creator, Sly Stone changed popular American music by blending Funk, Pop, Psychedelia, Soul, R&B, and Rock with danceable songs and socially conscious lyrics.
The leader of Sly and the Family Stone, from 1966 until the band disbanded in 1975, they had seventeen hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, with three of those reaching number one: “Everyday People,” “Thank You,” and “Family Affair.” They released a total of ten studio albums, three of which are certified gold and platinum, and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993. Sly Stone also received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017, released a memoir in 2023, and became the subject of a new 2025 documentary titled Sly Lives! just four months before his passing. The impact of Sly Stone as both a musical trailblazer and visionary has been immense, and his legacy continues today.
The influence of Sly and the Family Stone reaches far and wide. Reflecting the social and cultural shifts of the late 1960s, their electrifying stage presence, rhythmic sound, and unifying messages established them as one of the most popular groups of their era. They also profoundly influenced a wide range of artists across multiple music genres. Prince, Michael Jackson, and George Clinton. Earth, Wind & Fire, as well as Chaka Khan, were all influenced by the music and message of Sly and the Family Stone.
Additionally, the iconic band’s songs have been sampled hundreds of times by various artists, including Janet Jackson, as well as Hip Hop groups such as Public Enemy, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, LL Cool J, Tupac, and countless others. The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lenny Kravitz, and The Roots are just a few of the musicians who have also adopted a similar fusion of Funk, Rock, and Soul.
Looking deeper into his story, Sly Stone was born Sylvester Stewart in Denton, Texas, on March 15, 1943, and raised in Vallejo, California. He grew up performing Gospel music with his siblings as The Stewart Four. By the time he was in grade school, he was already considered a musical prodigy. While attending Vallejo Junior College, he played multiple instruments, including organ, keyboards, guitar, bass guitar, trumpet, and harmonica. He began his career as a disc jockey and record producer before leading a band called Sly and the Stoners, which featured African-American Trumpeter Cynthia Robinson.
Additionally, Sly was also in a band called the Stone Souls with his brother Freddie and caucasian Drummer Gregg Errico. When brothers Sly and Freddie combined the best of both their bands, Sly and the Family Stone was created. The original lineup featured Sly as the frontman on the organ, Freddie on guitar, their sister Rose on keyboards and vocals, and Bassist/Vocalist Larry Graham, saxophonist Jerri Martini, and Cynthia on trumpet. Sly and the Family Stone would soon become known for their groundbreaking integration of black and white musicians, featuring both male and female members.
Once signed to Epic Records, the band’s debut album, A Whole New Thing, was released in October 1967 and received critical acclaim but had slow sales. Sly then wrote and recorded their breakthrough pop song, “Dance to the Music” as a single in 1967, which reached #8 on the Billboard Hot 100. A breakthrough, the band toured behind their hit single and the same-titled second album, thus achieving even greater commercial success. In the fall of 1968, they released their next single, “Everyday People,” which became their first #1 hit song. Then, at Woodstock, Sly and the Family Stone performed “I Want to Take You Higher” and delivered what was said to be the most legendary moment of their career.
Music critics began to hail Sly Stone as a genius and innovator… and rightfully so. Publications like the music industry bible, Billboard, praised Sly and the Family Stone for their electrifying live performances, genre-defying sound, and revolutionary approach to race and gender in popular music. Their critically acclaimed albums, like Stand! (1969) and There’s a Riot Goin’ On (1971) were embraced as bold, socially relevant, and progressive. And their uplifting hits, such as “Dance to the Music,” “Everyday People,” “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin),” and “Family Affair,” all captured the spirit of their time with lyrics that offered messages of unity, equality, and self-empowerment.
However, despite his immense talent and success, Sly’s career would eventually be plagued by drug abuse and financial troubles. When his band dissolved in 1975, Sly became increasingly reclusive throughout the ’80s and ’90s. In fact, he made only sporadic public appearances, including a brief performance at the 1993 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, a performance at the 2006 Grammys, and with his daughter and her band. By the 2000s, Sly Stone was reportedly living in a van and relying on welfare.
Fortunately, in 2011, Sly Stone returned and released the album I’m Back! Family & Friends. The album featured re-recorded versions of Sly and the Family Stone hits, along with three previously unreleased tracks. It also included collaborations with artists Jeff Beck, Bootsy Collins, Ray Manzarek, Ann Wilson, and Johnny Winter. Exciting for fans to see the master at work again, the future looked brighter for Sly. Taking control of his life, he even sued his former manager in 2015 for unpaid royalties and won a $5 million settlement. Moving into 2023, Sly released a memoir titled Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin), which is dubbed a must-read for fans to gain a personal look into the life and music of the artist.
Which leads us to the present day, when The Roots’ own Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson directed a documentary entitled Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius), about the life and legacy of Sly and the Family Stone. Released this past February on Hulu and Disney+, the film, recently nominated for an Emmy, features footage of Sly and the group, as well as commentary from artists like George Clinton, Chaka Khan, D’Angelo, and Family Stone members Larry Graham and Jerry Martini. Joining this compelling film, High Moon Records released Sly & The Family Stone’s The First Family: Live at Winchester Cathedral 1967 on CD, LP, and digital download. The music featured in the 2025 documentary was released on July 18, 2025, and includes the earliest live recordings of Sly & The Family Stone, before their immense international success.
Regretably, the life of frontman, songwriter, and producer, Sly Stone, came to an end on June 9, 2025. He passed away peacefully at the age of 82, surrounded by his three children, his closest friend, and his extended family. His cause of death was cited as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In a statement, Sly Stone’s family said,
“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.”
The family added that Stone recently completed the screenplay for his life story. Fans, friends, and media responded to the news of Sly Stone’s passing with profound tributes, praises, and reflections that all honored his legacy. Although it is always hard to say goodbye, there is solace in believing that the innovation and inspiration of Sly Stone will forever continue to revolutionize and influence the music of many more artists yet to come.
No comment