Following years of health battles, the frontman of Sly and the Family Stone, Sly Stone has died. He was 82 years old.
Surrounded by loved ones when he passed, the groundbreaking musician’s family shared the following news in a statement on Monday (6.09)
“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 (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.”
Born in Denton, Texas, on March 15, 1943 and raised in the Bay Area city Vallejo in Northern California, the legendary artist (born Sylvester Stewart) broke into the music industry in the 1960s as a record producer for Autumn Records and a DJ at San Francisco’s KDIA radio station.
Enjoying such massive hits as ‘Dance to the Music,’ ‘Everyday People,’ and ‘Family Affair,’ it was in 1966 that the iconic writer/producer/singer formed Sly and the Family Stone alongside his brother Freddie in 1966.
Before they divorced in 1976, Stone wed model-actress Kathy Silva in 1974, and they shared a son, Sylvester Jr, who was born in 1973. He also had two daughters, Sylvyette ‘Phunne’ born in 1976, and Novena Carmel, born in 1982.
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Author: Saul Goode
Photo: Epic Records – Public Domain