The funk and soul maverick Sly Stone, known for his undeniable influence with his band Sly and the Family Stone, died on Monday after a “prolonged battle with COPD and other underlying health issues,” according to a statement by his family. He leaves behind a decades-long legacy, marked by the band’s rise in the late Sixties and performances that came to represent a radical, progressive take on psych-rock and soul.
Sly started making music as a kid with his siblings. He gained some local fame as a producer and a disc jockey in the Bay Area, eventually helping to form Sly and the Family Stone. In their early years, the band rose to prominence with era- and genre-defining hits, including “Dance to the Music,” “Everyday People,” “Hot Fun in the Summertime,” and “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin).” Sly stood out as the trailblazing frontman, making his musicianship and his unique style known to fans everywhere.
Sly started making music as a kid with his siblings. He gained some local fame as a producer and a disc jockey in the Bay Area, eventually helping to form Sly and the Family Stone. In their early years, the band rose to prominence with era- and genre-defining hits, including “Dance to the Music,” “Everyday People,” “Hot Fun in the Summertime,” and “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin).” Sly stood out as the trailblazing frontman, making his musicianship and his unique style known to fans everywhere.
