Sly Stone, one of the most influential musicians to emerge from the Bay Area, passed away Monday in Los Angeles at the age of 82.
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The legendary artist, who had reportedly been in declining health for several years, died surrounded by family after battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other ailments, according to his publicist, Carleen Donovan.
Born Sylvester Stewart, Stone will forever be remembered as the electrifying frontman of Sly and the Family Stone, the groundbreaking funk-rock-soul band that revolutionized popular music with albums like Dance to the Music and Stand! in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
The group’s signature “psychedelic soul” sound, showcased in hits like Everyday People (1968) and Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin), captivated audiences and influenced generations of musicians. Though his time at the forefront of pop music was relatively brief, Stone had an extraordinary ability to craft songs that were both musically innovative and socially resonant, making him a defining figure of the Woodstock era and beyond.
His impact on soul, gospel, R&B, and hip-hop is immeasurable. Fellow Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees like George Clinton, Michael Jackson, and Prince all drew inspiration from Stone’s work, as did contemporary stars such as Black Eyed Peas, Bruno Mars, and Beyoncé.
In truth, his influence is so vast that nearly every soul, funk, and R&B act of the past 50 years owes a debt to Sly Stone. His legacy only expanded with the rise of hip-hop, as DJs sampled his classic tracks to create new hits for artists like 2Pac, A Tribe Called Quest, and Beastie Boys, ensuring that his music continues to shape and inspire generations.