Sly Stone, the legendary leader of Sly and the Family Stone, has sadly passed away at 82 due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other health issues. His family shared a touching statement about his life and legacy, highlighting his impact as a musician.
Born Sylvester Stewart in Denton, Texas, Sly grew up in Vallejo, California. He kickstarted his music career as a disc jockey at KSOL in San Francisco during the 1960s. Soon after, he formed the band Sly and the Stoners, which evolved into the iconic Sly and the Family Stone.
This groundbreaking band included not just Sly, but also his siblings Freddie and Rose, along with key members like Larry Graham and Jerry Martini. They were famous for their vibrant performances and innovative blend of funk, R&B, and soul. Their music addressed various themes, from lifting spirits with dance tracks to confronting serious issues like discrimination.
Their first album, A Whole New Thing, debuted in 1967, followed by classics like Dance to the Music and the influential There’s a Riot Goin’ On. The latter, released in 1971, was particularly notable for its raw exploration of social issues during a turbulent era marked by the civil rights movement.
After the original lineup’s final album, Small Talk, in 1974, Sly pursued a solo career. His first solo effort, High on You, came out in 1975. However, after the band disbanded, he became more reclusive, attending only a few high-profile events, like their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction in 1993.
Sly’s influence remains strong today. His story was revisited in Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson’s documentary, Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius). Recently, High Moon Records announced a forthcoming release of The First Family: Live at the Winchester Cathedral 1967, capturing one of the band’s earliest concerts.
As we remember Sly Stone, it’s clear his extraordinary musical legacy will inspire future generations, echoing through time.
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