Sly Stone, the influential and enigmatic funk-rock star who pioneered new sounds with his band Sly and the Family Stone, has died at the age of 82. His family announced his passing on Monday, stating that he died peacefully after a prolonged battle with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and other underlying health issues. He was surrounded by his three children, his closest friend, and his extended family.

In their statement, Stone's family described him as a "monumental figure, a groundbreaking innovator, and a true pioneer who redefined the landscape of pop, funk, and rock music." They affirmed that his iconic songs have left an indelible mark on the world and that his influence remains undeniable. The family also shared that Stone had recently completed the screenplay for his life story, a project they are eager to share, which follows a memoir published in 2024. They extended their deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love and prayers.

Born Sylvester Stewart in Denton, Texas, he was the second of five children. His family was affiliated with the Church Of God In Christ (COGIC) and continued their involvement after moving to Vallejo, California. A musical prodigy, Stewart recorded a gospel single at age eight with three of his siblings under the group name Stewart Four. He became known as Sly in early grade school due to a friend misspelling 'Sylvester.' By age eleven, he was adept at keyboards, guitar, bass, and drums. He performed in several high school bands, including The Viscaynes, an integrated group that cut a few singles. Sly also released a few solo singles during that period, working with his younger brother Freddie.

While a student at Vallejo Junior College, Sly learned composition and theory, as well as how to play the trumpet. He became a popular disc jockey at R&B radio station KSOL, where his eclectic musical tastes made his show a hit; he was an early proponent of including R&B-flavored white artists such as The Beatles, The Animals, and The Rolling Stones in his playlists. He later took his DJ talents to KDIA, a gig he continued until forming his legendary band, Sly and the Family Stone, in 1967.

Sly and the Family Stone, which included his brother Freddie and sister Rose, quickly gained prominence. They famously upset the Las Vegas status quo with a three-month, six-nights-a-week engagement at the Pussycat a’ Go Go, attended by music luminaries like James Brown and Bobby Darin. The group used their Mondays off to fly to Los Angeles and record their debut album, “A Whole New Thing.” This album featured their first hit single, “Dance to the Music,” which also became a single on their sophomore album.

Stone was a pivotal figure in the evolution of funk music, second only to James Brown as an early founder. He played a leading role in introducing this Afrocentric style, driven by grooves and syncopated rhythms, to a broader audience. His unique sound fused soul, rock, psychedelia, and gospel, taking the music of the 1960s into new territory. Sly Stone’s brand of funk was celebrated for being eclectic, psychedelic, and rooted in the counterculture of the late 1960s.

The band’s other major hits included “Hot Fun in the Summertime,” “Thank You [Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin],” “Family Affair,” “Everyday People,” “I Want To Take You Higher,” and “If You Want Me to Stay.” Sly and the Family Stone's performance at the Harlem Cultural Festival in 1969 was a memorable highlight, later immortalized in the Oscar-winning documentary “Summer of Soul,” directed by musician Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, who had also been working on a film about Stone.

Sly Stone was highly praised for his innovative musical techniques, including home recording, multitrack layering, and the use of drum machines. His distinctive style also entailed complex vocal arrangements, the use of a wah-wah pedal, and distorted bass lines, all of which helped him carve his own unique place in the music industry. Several of the band's seminal tracks became known to a wider audience when they were subsequently sampled by hip-hop artists; “Everyday People” was sampled by Arrested Development, while “Sing A Simple Song” was sampled by Public Enemy, De La Soul, and Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg.

Despite his early success and genius, Stone’s career was later marked by significant challenges. He retreated from the spotlight, becoming what one publication called