Funk and soul pioneer Sly Stone has died aged 82

Funk and soul pioneer Sly Stone, whose real name was Sylvester Stewart, has passed away at the age of 82 after a prolonged battle with lung disease COPD, as confirmed by his family.

His family announced the sad news on Instagram, stating: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved dad, Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone.”

They shared that Stewart had been dealing with underlying health issues in addition to COPD and died peacefully, surrounded by his three children, his closest friend, and 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,” they added.

Under the stage name Sly Stone, Stewart formed the group Sly and the Family Stone with his family, creatively blending the sounds of soul, funk, gospel, and psychedelia.

In 1969, the San Francisco native performed at the Woodstock Festival, later achieving hits with his family band, including ‘Family Affair’, ‘Everyday People’, and ‘If You Want Me To Stay’.

His innovative funk sound propelled him to fame alongside legends like James Brown, paving the way for future generations of artists.

His music also significantly impacted the dance music scene, with artists like Fatboy Slim sampling his work in recent years, and DJ Premier acknowledging the influence Stewarts music had on his own.

In 1993, Stewart was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and received a GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017 alongside Nina Simone, The Velvet Underground, and Shirley Caesar.

“Sly was a monumental figure, a groundbreaking innovator, and a true pioneer who redefined the landscape of pop, funk, and rock music,” his family remarked. “His iconic songs have left an indelible mark on the world, and his influence remains undeniable.”

Stewart had recently finished a screenplay about his life story, which his family is eager to share with his fans in due course.