Sly Stone, Frontman of Sly and the Family Stone, Dies at 82

Singer Sylvester Stewart, better known as Sly Stone, leader of the popular American funk rock group Sly And The Family Stone, at the Hatchett's Club, Piccadilly, London — Central Press/Getty Images

Multitalented musician Sly Stone, who led the pioneering funk group Sly and the Family Stone, has passed away on June 9, 2025. He was 82 years old. His family confirmed the news with a statement, according to Variety: “After a prolonged battle with COPD [chronic obstructive pulmonary disease] and other underlying health issues, Sly passed away peacefully, surrounded by his three children, his closest friend and his extended family. 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, a project we are eager to share with the world in due course.”

American band Sly and the Family Stone at Hatchetts Club in Piccadilly, London, 11th September 1968. From left to right, they are Sly Stone, Rose Stone, Larry Graham, Cynthia Robinson, Freddie Stone, Greg Errico and Jerry Martini.

Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

For now, fans can revisit his life and career in the documentary film Sly Lives: aka the Burden of Black Genius, directed by Grammy and Oscar-winning Summer of Soul director Questlove. Stone was not only an incredible vocalist and musician but also a songwriter, producer, and arranger known for his incredible performances on stage, including his impressive set at Woodstock.

Born Sylvester Stewart on March 15, 1943, in Texas and raised in Northern California, Stone began playing musical instruments at a young age and performed gospel music alongside his siblings. He began his career as a record producer and disc jockey, later forming a band with his brother Freddie. Some of their hits include “Dance to the Music” (1968), “Everyday People” (1968), “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)” (1969) and “I Want to Take You Higher” (1969).

Musician Sly Stone performs during day 3 of the Coachella Valley Music & Art Festival 2010 held at The Empire Polo Club on April 18, 2010 in Indio, California

Charley Gallay/Getty Images

The ’70s proved a bit more difficult as he dealt with drug addiction and several unsuccessful solo albums after ending the group. Still, he kept on performing with other artists and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.

Stone largely stayed out of the public eye in the ’80s and ’90s until he had a career resurgence of sorts in 2006, performing at the Grammy Awards — but by 2011, he was reportedly homeless. In 2023, things seemed to be turning around for Stone as he released his autobiography Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin). He is survived by his children.