The duvet of 1973’s Recent.
R.I.P. Sly Stone of Sly & The Household Stone
The Soul Legend and Funk Pioneer was 82
Jun 09, 2025
Sly Stone, the long-lasting frontman for Sly & The Household Stone, has died. He was 82 and handed after a protracted battle with COPD, in addition to different underlying well being points.
Stone’s household has issued the next assertion:
“It’s with profound unhappiness that we announce the passing of our beloved dad, Sly Stone of Sly and the Household Stone. After a chronic battle with COPD and different underlying well being points, Sly handed away peacefully, surrounded by his three kids, his closest buddy, and his prolonged household. Whereas we mourn his absence, we take solace in figuring out that his extraordinary musical legacy will proceed to resonate and encourage for generations to come back.
“Sly was a monumental determine, a groundbreaking innovator, and a real pioneer who redefined the panorama of pop, funk, and rock music. His iconic songs have left an indelible mark on the world, and his affect stays simple. In a testomony to his enduring inventive spirit, Sly lately accomplished the screenplay for his life story, a challenge we’re wanting to share with the world in the end, which follows a memoir revealed in 2024.
“We lengthen our deepest gratitude for the outpouring of affection and prayers throughout this troublesome time. We want peace and concord to all who had been touched by Sly’s life and his iconic music.
“Thanks from the underside of our hearts in your unwavering help.”
Stone was a funk pioneer who grew up within the Bay Space of Northern California and obtained his begin as a DJ in San Francisco earlier than forming Sly & The Household Stone in 1966. The band’s lineup additionally featured Stone’s brother (singer/guitarist Freddie Stone) and sister (singer/keyboardist Rose Stone), in addition to trumpeter Cynthia Robinson, drummer Greg Errico, saxophonist Jerry Martini, and bassist Larry Graham. They had been the primary notable band to have a racially built-in, mixed-gender lineup at a time when the Civil Rights motion was in full swing. With their psychedelic soul sound the band had numerous Prime 10 Billboard Scorching 100 hits within the late ’60s—corresponding to “Dance to the Music” (1968), “On a regular basis Individuals” (1968), and “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)” (1969)—and the critically acclaimed album Stand! (1969). The band carried out at Woodstock in 1969. Their early ’70s albums—There’s a Riot Goin’ On (1971) and Recent (1973)—are funk classics.
Stone’s substance abuse points led to issues all through the ’70s, with numerous members leaving the band and performances usually cancelled on the final minute when Stone or different members had been no-shows. Stone’s profession by no means once more reached the heights of his late-’60s/early ’70s period. Within the 2000s he had authorized battles along with his former supervisor over years of unpaid royalties, was reportedly homeless for a time, and had shambolic stay performances. In 2011 he returned along with his remaining solo album, I’m Again! Household & Associates, that includes primarily re-recorded variations of his earlier hits.
In 2023 Stone’s autobiography, Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin), was revealed. It featured a foreword by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson of The Roots. Questlove went on to direct Sly Lives! (aka the Burden of Black Genius), an acclaimed documentary on Stone that premiered on the Sundance Movie Competition in January earlier than streaming on Hulu and Disney+ in February.
Final week the stay album The First Household: Dwell at Winchester Cathedral 1967 was introduced. It options the primary recognized stay recording of the band and shall be launched by Excessive Moon Information on July 18.
