Sly Stone in ‘SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius)’. Photo: Hulu.
Preview:
- Musician Sly Stone has died aged 82.
- He was a pioneer of funk and soul.
- Stone was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.
Sly Stone, a musician, songwriter, and producer, best known as the frontman of the groundbreaking funk and soul band Sly and the Family Stone, has died. He was 82.
Most recently, Stone’s career had been chronicled by fellow musician Questlove in a documentary.
Stone’s family issued a statement about his death:
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved dad, Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone. 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.”
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Sly Stone: Early Life
Sly Stone in ‘Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)’. Photo: Searchlight Pictures/Hulu.
Born on March 15th, 1943, in Denton, Texas, Sylvester Stewart came from a family of devout Christians who took their beliefs with them when they moved to Vallejo, California.
Reared on church music, he was 8 when he and three of his siblings recorded a gospel single as The Stewart Four.
A musical prodigy who picked up the name “Sly” in grade school, Stone was adept at keyboards, guitar, bass and drums by 11, and he went on to perform in several high school bands, one of which, The Viscaynes, boasted a then unheard-of mixed lineup and released a few singles.
After attending Vallejo Junior College, Stone got a job as a fast-talking DJ at San Francisco R&B station KSOL, where his eclectic taste stoked his popularity, working the new British bands like The Beatles, The Animals and The Stones into the station’s soul format.
Sly Stone: Music Career
A scene from 1970’s ‘Woodstock’ movie. Photo: Warner Bros.
In addition to his radio hosting duties, Stone began producing records for the local label, Autumn Records, thanks to DJ Tom Donahue, who recommended him.
After leading a band called Sly and the Stoners, featuring trumpet player Cynthia Robinson, Stone brought in his brother Freddie on guitar, sister Rose on keyboards, Gregg Errico on drums, Jerry Martini on sax and Larry Graham on bass to complete Sly and the Family Stone.
They signed to Epic Records, for whom they released their debut album, “A Whole New Thing” at the end of 1967.
Despite critical acclaim, it failed to resonate with audiences. However, the subsequent release of a new single, “Dance to the Music,” from the album of the same name, vaulted into the top 10 on both the pop and R&B charts.
“Everyday People” (and its B-side, “Sing a Simple Song”), was released in late 1968 and was followed by the album “Stand!” In May of 1969, marked the crossover emergence of the band, going to No. 1 on both the pop and R&B charts, followed by the title track and its B-side, “I Want To Take You Higher.”
The album became the band’s first certified platinum seller, with iconic tracks such as “Sex Machine.”
“There’s a Riot Goin’ On” is arguably stands Stone’s masterpiece, both critically and commercially.
A transformative blend of race and song — a template for the later work of Kanye West and Kendrick Lamar, among others — the album was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.
That was Sly’s last hurrah. In June 1973, the band released a new single, “If You Want Me to Stay.” (The departures of Graham and Errico during this period hastened the band’s demise.)
And his legacy remains: the group won one Grammy on 13 nominations, had three platinum and two gold albums, performed at Woodstock and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.
Sly Stone: Struggles and Lasting Impact
Sly Stone in ‘SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius)’. Photo: Hulu.
As with other creative geniuses, he struggled with addictions. In June 1983, Stone was arrested in Fort Myers, Florida, and charged with cocaine possession.
Stone sightings were sporadic after that, though he did appear for his Rock Hall induction and at the 2006 Grammys, where he briefly and bizarrely participated in a multi-artist tribute to the band featuring John Legend, Fantasia, Adam Levine, Ciara, Steve Tyler and Joe Perry. He abruptly waved goodbye midway through “I Want to Take You Higher,” disappearing into the night.
In addition to the artists he inspired, Sly’s work lives on through the many movie soundtracks his tunes appear on, including ‘Molly’s Game,’‘Milk,’‘Zodiac’ and ‘Dead Presidents.’
Sly Stone is survived by a son, Sylvester Jr. (from first wife Kathy Silva), and two daughters, Sylvette and Novena Carmel.
Here’s the other statement provided by his family:
“Sly was a monumental figure, a groundbreaking innovator, and a true pioneer who redefined the landscape of pop, funk, and rock music,” Sly’s family said. “His iconic songs have left an indelible mark on the world, and his influence remains undeniable. 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.”
List of Movies and TV Shows Featuring Sly Stone:
Buy Sly Stone Music on Amazon