Sly Stone: When he played Palm Beach County's only version of Woodstock in 1969
Sly Stone, a pop and funk music innovator best known for his band Sly and the Family Stone, has died. He was 82.
The onetime San Francisco DJ played in what was Palm Beach County's closest version of Woodstock.
It was the Thanksgiving weekend 1969 and the Palm Beach International Music and Arts Festival was hailed as the 'first annual,' but there never was a second one. The event was marred by rain, lawsuits and scandals, but is fondly remembered by many who were there.
The festival drew 40,000 people to the 149-acre area that was to become the Palm Beach International Speedway.
More: Turn off your engines: Palm Beach International Raceway closes after 57 years
Sly Stone played the show along with The Rolling Stones, Janis Joplin, Jefferson Airplane, the Byrds and Grand Funk Railroad.
PHOTOS: The 1969 Palm Beach International Music and Art Festival
As for Sly Stone, a statement shared with USA TODAY on June 9 reads: "After a prolonged battle with COPD and other underlying health issues, Sly passed away peacefully, surrounded by his three children, his closest friend, and his extended family."
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Sly Stone, The Rolling Stones, Janis Joplin all played music in PBC
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