Legendary singer dies after battle with chronic illness

The global music community is mourning the loss of a true icon, as trailblazing singer, songwriter, and bandleader Sly Stone has passed away at the age of 82.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the revolutionary musician died peacefully surrounded by his family after a prolonged battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other underlying health complications.

Stone, born Sylvester Stewart, was the creative force behind Sly and the Family Stone, a group that shattered musical and racial boundaries in the late 1960s and early ’70s. With timeless hits like “Everyday People,” “Dance to the Music,” and “Family Affair,” he reshaped the sound and spirit of pop, funk, soul, and rock music.

Often credited with pioneering the psychedelic soul movement, Sly Stone’s influence remains embedded in the DNA of modern music. His bold experimentation with sound, social commentary, and integration of Black and white musicians during a turbulent era made him not just a performer, but a cultural force.

Though he spent his later years out of the spotlight due to health and personal struggles, Stone remained creatively active. Before his passing, he completed a screenplay adaptation of his life story, building on the momentum of his 2024 memoir.