Overview

• His family confirmed on June 9 that he died at age 82 after a long battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other health issues.
• Stone formed Sly and the Family Stone in San Francisco in 1966, uniting musicians of different races and genders under one banner.
• The group achieved its first major hit with 1968’s “Dance to the Music” and followed with classics like “Stand!” and “Family Affair.”
• Sly and the Family Stone delivered a landmark performance at Woodstock in August 1969 that helped define the festival’s legacy.
• His innovative fusion of funk, rock and soul influenced disco, hip-hop and generations of artists from George Clinton to Public Enemy.