Funk-rock music pioneer, frontman of revolutionary band dies at 82
'It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved dad, Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone,' his family said in a statement, according to PEOPLE.
'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,' the statement continued. 'While we mourn his absence, we take solace in knowing that his extraordinary musical legacy will continue to resonate and inspire for generations to come.'
Born March 15, 1943, in Denton, Texas, Stone helped pioneer the emerging psychedelic soul movement in the 1960s and '70s with his genre-blending group. Sly and the Family Stone is considered rock's first group to incorporate the sounds of funk, soul, R&B, rock and psychedelic music.
'James Brown may have invented funk, but Sly Stone perfected it,' AllMusic wrote. 'His alchemical fusion of soul, rock, gospel, and psychedelia rejected stylistic boundaries as much as his explosive backing band the Family Stone ignored racial and gender restrictions, creating a series of euphoric yet politically charged records that proved a massive influence on artists of all musical and cultural backgrounds.'
Sly and the Family Stone is also considered the first major American rock group to have a racially integrated, mixed-gender lineup. Originally formed in 1966, the group's core lineup consisted of Stone alongside his brother, Freddie Stone, sister Rose Stone, Cynthia Robinson, Greg Errico, Jerry Martini and Larry Graham.
Sly and the Family Stone racked up more than a dozen songs on the Billboard Hot 100, including five top 10 hits. The group's three No. 1 hits are 'Everyday People,' 'Family Affair' and 'Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)'/'Everybody Is a Star.'
The band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 and were ranked 43rd on Rolling Stone's list of the '100 Greatest Artists of All Time' in 2010. Three of the group's albums — 'Stand,' 'There's a Riot Goin' On' and 'Greatest Hits' — were also included on Rolling Stone's most recent list of the '500 Greatest Albums of All Time.'
Despite Sly and the Family Stone fizzling out by 1975, Stone continued to record and tour with a new rotating lineup. He released his debut solo album 'High on You' that same year.
Stone remained active in the industry until drug problems forced his effective retirement in 1987. His final solo album, 'I'm Back! Family & Friends,' was released in 2011.
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