https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/09/entertainment/sly-stone-death
So sad to report the passing of another giant from my (our) generation.
Sly and the Family Stone were one of the most important acts of the late 60s and 70s. Sly's influence on the music of this period was obvious. I think Mick Jagger borrowed a page or two from Sly Stone. He had talent and attitude. I read years ago that he had Mick turned away backstage for failing to admit him backstage at a Stones show.
Sly and the Family Stone at Woodstock:
He was a genius and produced some of the most groundbreaking music. I've always loved Sly & the Family Stone. If you get a chance, watch the documentary Sly Lives. I think it's on Hulu. Great stuff!! RIP Sly ☹
Saw them ( him) once and in the Woodstock movie.
A high energy show from start to finish.
RIP
One of the true greats, and also one of the great downfalls. More than anything else, I am shocked that Sly made it to 82 years old. I'm nearly certain it was 2006, he was billed at an outdoor show in San Jose. I thought to myself, this has got to be some kind of joke........is he really going to show up? If I remember properly, it was billed as The Family Stone featuring Sly Stone. The Family Stone performed maybe a 45 minute set. Sly came out and mumbled a few unintelligible things into the mike on maybe two songs. Yes, I was correct: SOME KIND OF JOKE. They fulfilled their billing obligation, Sly Stone actually appeared. How PITIFUL. At least I didn't pay much to see this, there were other bands on the bill and I think I paid $20. Maybe 5 years before that it had been reported that Sly was living in a van outside someone's home in the San Fernando Valley area of L.A. The same article said that some couple was taking pity on him and letting him come inside to take a shower. In 2019, Sly sold his musical catalog to Michael Jackson's estate for $1 Million. One million was really a pittance considering all the hits that Sly had. But obviously he needed the cash. No word on how he spent it, and I won't speculate on that one.
All that being said, Sly Stone was a true innovator and was very influential in the Funk/Soul genre in the 60's and early 70's.
RIP to a true giant and complete enigma
Agree with others here Questlove's documentary is required viewing
I actually thought Sly had died years ago until he showed up in the end of that
@robslob You are right on every observation. The 70's was an interesting and tortuous era for musicians and fans. Conspicuous consumption of substances and flamboyant lifestyles. I probably know at least one, common every day Joe for every rock star/idol who flamed out. Monkey see - monkey do. Most of us who "experimented" (or who just got blasted) took our cues from our idols.
For all of his personal failings and burning-out, Sly (not unlike Gregg Allman) could actually be considered a survivor of this period. 82 years is amazing for someone who lived his lifestyle. He far out-lived the "27 year old club" (Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Brian Jones et al).
i saw a triple bill at englishtown raceway in nj around 74. locomotive gt, climax blues band and sly.
was really there for climax as i heard sly doesn't even show up. sly was over an hour late(top billed) and played 45 minutes. his set was very mellow.
I know Sly took me higher...RIP Sly Stone
