Funk Legend Sly Stone Passes Away at 82, Celebrated by Entertainment World

Sly Stone, the revolutionary musician and dynamic showman whose Sly and the Family Stone transformed popular music in the 1960s and ’70s, passed away on June 9, 2025, at the age of 82. Known for iconic hits like “Everyday People,” “Stand!,” and “Family Affair,” Stone’s legacy is one of innovation and influence. He died in Los Angeles after a prolonged battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other health issues, surrounded by his loved ones, as confirmed by his publicist, Carleen Donovan.

The Context

Stone’s death marks a profound loss for funk rock music and popular culture at large. As a leader of the first major integrated band comprising Black and white men and women, Sly and the Family Stone shattered racial barriers while crafting a groundbreaking sound that resonated across generations. Their brief but impactful reign from 1968 to 1971 reflected the euphoria and eventual disillusionment of the Woodstock era, giving voice to a generation with anthems that celebrated community, freedom, and nonconformity.

What To Know

Founded in 1966, Sly and the Family Stone created an unprecedented fusion of jazz, psychedelic rock, doo-wop, soul, and early funk grooves. The Bay Area sextet featured notable talents: Sly Stone on keyboards, Larry Graham on bass, Sly’s brother Freddie on guitar, his sister Rose on vocals, along with Cynthia Robinson and Jerry Martini on horns, and Greg Errico on drums. Their breakthrough single “Dance to the Music,” released in April 1968, topped the charts, heralding a new era as traditional Motown’s polished sound began to feel outdated.

Stone’s magnetic stage presence—marked by leather jumpsuits, goggle shades, and an Afro that reached for the sky—captivated audiences at festivals, most famously at Woodstock in 1969. The band enjoyed immense success with five top ten singles, three of which hit No. 1, and a trio of million-selling albums, including “Stand!” and “There’s a Riot Goin’ On.”

Stone’s influence extended well beyond his own recordings. The Jackson Five’s “I Want You Back” and the Temptations’ “I Can’t Get Next to You” echoed his innovative arrangements, while jazz legend Miles Davis cited Stone as a partial inspiration for his landmark album “Bitches Brew.” The ripple effects of Stone’s creativity can be traced through the works of artists like Prince and the Black Eyed Peas, not to mention the countless hip-hop producers who sampled his unforgettable riffs.

However, the early 1970s did not just bring accolades. Stone faced a battle with drug addiction and increasingly erratic behavior, leading to frequent missed concerts. By the decade’s end, the group disbanded, yet Stone’s contributions to music were recognized when he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993. His recent appearances in Questlove’s documentaries, “Summer of Soul” and the upcoming “Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius),” served to remind new generations of his extraordinary artistry.

What People Are Saying

Following news of his passing, Sly Stone’s family released a heartfelt statement: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved dad, Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone. After a prolonged battle with COPD 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. Sly was a monumental figure, a groundbreaking innovator, and a true pioneer who redefined the landscape of pop, funk, and rock music. His iconic songs have left an indelible mark on the world, and his influence remains undeniable.”

The statement continued, “In a testament to his enduring creative spirit, Sly recently completed the screenplay for his life story, a project we are eager to share with the world in due course, which follows a memoir published in 2024. We extend our deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love and prayers during this difficult time. We wish peace and harmony to all who were touched by Sly’s life and his iconic music. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your unwavering support.”

Numerous public figures took to social media to share their tributes. Actress Holly Robinson Peete wrote: “Rest in power, Sly Stone. You didn’t just make music—you shifted the culture. As kids in Philly, my brother played Sly; I was Cynthia on my imaginary horn. We lived your music. You gave us the groove & the message. Thank you, genius.”

Rap icon Chuck D expressed: “Rest In Beats SLY Stone ..and we should THANK @questlove of @theroots for keeping his FIRE blazing in this Century. 2 documentaries and book . GET EM.”

Entertainment publicist Danny Deraney reminisced: “Rest easy Sly Stone. You changed music (and me) forever. The time he won over Ed Sullivan’s audience in 1968. Simply magical.”

SiriusXM host Eric Alper reflected, “RIP Sly Stone (1943–2025), the funk pioneer who made the world dance, think, and get higher. His music changed everything—and it still does.”

Writer Keith Murphy summed it up: “Giant. I can’t put into words the impact Sly Stone had on popular music. Blues, soul, pop, rock, funk were just toys in his sandbox. Sly’s genius was that it all came together seamlessly without pretentious wonkery. He did it all.”

Radio Hall of Fame media icon Donnie Simpson stated, “We lost a true legend today. He was 82 years old. Condolences to his family, friends, and fans. Thank you for your music and all that you gave us.”

Historian Harvey G. Cohen noted, “American musical life would’ve been totally different without Sly Stone. Bless you sir, and thanks.”

The Sundance Film Festival echoed the sentiment: “Sly Stone changed music forever. A visionary, a rebel, a genius. His sound shaped generations and his spirit broke boundaries.”

What Happens Next

The family of Sly Stone intends to share his recently completed screenplay for his life story in due course, although memorial arrangements have yet to be announced.

Reporting from the Associated Press contributed to this article.