Overview

• Stone died on June 9 at age 82 after a prolonged battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other health issues.
• As leader of Sly and the Family Stone, he fused funk, soul and psychedelic rock to create enduring hits like “Everyday People” and “Family Affair.”
• He championed integration by forming one of the first mainstream bands with a racially mixed, male and female lineup.
• Struggles with cocaine addiction in the 1970s and 1980s led to erratic performances and long-term financial challenges.
• Stone published a memoir in 2024 and finished a screenplay of his life story, underscoring his enduring creative spirit.