logo
Who Was Sly Stone? All About Sly and the Family Stone Star, His Family And More as Singer Dies at 82

Who Was Sly Stone? All About Sly and the Family Stone Star, His Family And More as Singer Dies at 82

Pink Villa10-06-2025
Sylvester Stewart—more commonly known as Sly Stone —died at the age of 82 on Monday, June 9, 2025. The American musician and songwriter is stated to have passed after a prolonged struggle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other underlying health issues.
According to the statement released by his family, he slipped away peacefully, with his three children, a close friend and extended relatives by his side.
Sly Stone's family and relationships
Stone's only legal marriage was to model and actress Kathy Silva. His wedding to Silva is infamous for having been held in a highly publicized on-stage ceremony at Madison Square Garden, before approximately 21,000 fans on June 5, 1974.
Their union ended in divorce two years later in 1976, but remained a defining moment in his personal history. From that marriage came his son, Sylvester Stewart Jr., born in 1973. Beyond his marriage, Stone fathered two daughters: Sylvetta Stewart, his child with trumpeter Cynthia Robinson, and Novena Carmel, whose mother is Deborah King, daughter of blues legend B.B. King.
Sly Stone's career and final projects
As the creative force behind Sly and the Family Stone, Sly Stone transformed the music of his time by blending genres as well as promoting racial and gender integration within his band. Hits such as 'Everyday People,' 'Stand!' and 'Family Affair' shaped the funk and rock genres of the late 1960s and early '70s.
Despite his impressive rise and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, Stone struggled with drug abuse and personal struggles, leading to a decline in his career by the early 1980s. Despite years of public turmoil, Stone's influence has endured across multiple music genres.
In recent years, Stone completed a screenplay chronicling his own life story shortly before his death—a project his family plans to present to the public 'in due course.' As per Celebrity Net Worth, his estate was estimated at approximately $500,000 as of 2024.
As his family affirmed, the rhythms and messages he created will continue 'to resonate and inspire for generations to come.'
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Amanda Knox, a once convicted killer, and Monica Lewinsky of the infamous Bill Clinton White House scandal share a commonality in the new Hulu show
Amanda Knox, a once convicted killer, and Monica Lewinsky of the infamous Bill Clinton White House scandal share a commonality in the new Hulu show

Economic Times

timean hour ago

  • Economic Times

Amanda Knox, a once convicted killer, and Monica Lewinsky of the infamous Bill Clinton White House scandal share a commonality in the new Hulu show

Reuters Monica Lewinsky stands with Amanda Knox at the premiere for 'The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox' Amanda Knox and Monica Lewinsky, two women whose lives were dramatically altered by high-profile scandals, have come together in a collaboration by the Hulu limited series The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox . Though their controversies stem from vastly different circumstances—Knox from a wrongful murder conviction and Lewinsky from a presidential scandal—the intensity of public scrutiny and media attention they endured has left lasting marks on their personal and public identities. Amanda Knox Amanda Knox first captured global attention as a 20-year-old American student studying abroad in Perugia, Italy, when she was accused and convicted in connection with the 2007 murder of her roommate, Meredith Kercher. Kercher was found sexually assaulted and murdered in their shared apartment, triggering an intense investigation. Knox and her then-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito were arrested and charged amid widespread media coverage. Knox's conviction was largely based on disputed forensic evidence. She was repeatedly interviewed without being given access to a lawyer. After a series of trials, appeals, and retrials spanning several years, Knox was definitively acquitted by Italy's Supreme Court in saga became a worldwide media sensation, characterized by sensationalized headlines that portrayed her as 'Foxy Knoxy' and a calculating killerThe case was notable for its complex legal proceedings and heightened media sensationalism worldwide. Knox's ordeal disrupted her education, strained her personal relationships, and subjected her family to ongoing public scrutiny. Monica Lewinsky became a central figure in one of the most significant political scandals in US history when her extramarital affair with then President Bill Clinton came to light in 1998. Lewinsky, a 22-year-old White House intern at the time, maintained a secret relationship with Clinton, which eventually became the focus of investigations led by independent counsel Kenneth Starr. The scandal culminated in President Clinton's impeachment by the House of Representatives on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice, though he was acquitted by the Senate. The wide-reaching political and media coverage exposed Lewinsky to invasive public scrutiny, stigmatizing her personal and professional life for years. She withdrew from public life for many years and has spoken openly about the long-lasting personal and career repercussions of the media storm. Media and the commonality of judgment Amanda Knox and Monica Lewinsky have both faced intense media scrutiny marked by sensationalism. Knox was subjected to distorted media portrayals that reduced her to caricatures. She endured over 50 hours of police questioning and years of public vilification, describing the experience as psychologically traumatic. Lewinsky has become an advocate for anti-bullying and media literacy, emphasizing the broad impact of misrepresentation on women's self-perception. Knox has pursued public speaking and advocacy focusing on wrongful convictions. As part of their ongoing public profiles, both Knox and Lewinsky have taken active roles in sharing their personal stories and experiences to provide a comprehensive perspective on their histories. Their collaboration on the Hulu series The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox seeks to illuminate the complexities behind the headlines and offer a detailed recounting of Knox's experience, with Lewinsky contributing as an executive producer.

From Sreesanth To Tejasswi Prakash - The Highest-Paid Bigg Boss Contestants Across Seasons
From Sreesanth To Tejasswi Prakash - The Highest-Paid Bigg Boss Contestants Across Seasons

NDTV

timean hour ago

  • NDTV

From Sreesanth To Tejasswi Prakash - The Highest-Paid Bigg Boss Contestants Across Seasons

New Delhi: Bigg Boss 19 is set to premiere on Colors TV and JioCinema on August 24. Hosted by Salman Khan, the new season will reportedly feature some well-known names from the industry, including Gaurav Khanna, Ashnoor Kaur, Baseer Ali and Abhishek Bajaj. Over the years, the reality show has been a launchpad for numerous celebrities, and the paychecks these stars receive are often jaw-dropping. Let us take a look at some of the highest-paid contestants across all seasons of Bigg Boss. 1. Pamela Anderson The Canadian-American actress earned a staggering Rs 2.5 crore for her brief 3-day appearance in Bigg Boss 4, reported Etimes. This makes her the highest-paid guest on the show across all seasons. 2. Sreesanth The former Indian cricketer was paid Rs 50 lakh per week in Bigg Boss 12. His popularity and the controversy surrounding his cricket career likely contributed to his high paycheck. 3. The Great Khali Khali joined the show in season 4 and was allegedly paid Rs 50 lakh per week. He even finished the season as a runner-up. Outside of Bigg Boss, he is known globally as a professional wrestler and WWE superstar. 4. Karanvir Bohra According to reports, Karanvir earned nearly Rs 20 lakh per week for his stint in Bigg Boss 12. Inside the house, he was known for being kind and considerate. Fans also praised Karanvir for his composed handling of Salman Khan's criticism during Weekend Ka Vaar. The actor is popular for his roles in TV shows like Naagin 2 and Kasautii Zindagii Kay. 5. Ankita Lokhande Ankita Lokhande was one of the highest-paid contestants of season 17. The actress allegedly charged between Rs 11 and 12 lakh per week for the show. Apart from Bigg Boss, she is well-known for her role as Archana in the television series Pavitra Rishta. 6. Dipika Kakar Dipika Kakar, winner of Bigg Boss 12, was reportedly paid Rs 15 lakh per week for her stay inside the house. The actress is best known for playing Simar in the TV show Sasural Simar Ka. 7. Rimi Sen Bollywood star Rimi Sen made news for her staggering paycheck when she appeared on Bigg Boss 9. The actress was reportedly paid almost Rs 2 crore just to sign the show, making her one of the most expensive contestants across all seasons. She is known for her roles in films like Hungama and Dhoom. 8. Aly Goni Aly entered Bigg Boss 14 as a wild card contestant and swiftly rose to the top of the ratings as a fan favourite. He was reportedly paid Rs 16 lakh per week. The actor is renowned for his portrayal of Romesh Bhalla in the television series Yeh Hai Mohabbatein. 9. Sumbul Touqeer Khan Sumbul reportedly earned around Rs 12 lakh per week on the show, making her the highest-paid contestant of Bigg Boss 16. She was previously known for playing the titular role in the television series Imlie. She was also one of the most popular contestants of her season. 10. Tejasswi Prakash The actress was reportedly paid Rs 1.7 crore for her 17-week journey in Bigg Boss 15, reported Siasat. She went on to win the show and bagged an additional Rs 40 lakh as prize money, bringing her total earnings to nearly Rs 2.1 crore. As per Indian Express, host Salman Khan's rumoured fee for Bigg Boss 19 is approximately between Rs 120–150 crore. The actor will receive between Rs 8 and 10 crore every weekend and will host the show for a total of 15 weeks.

50 years of Rajinikanth: How directors and audiences came to love the man and his craft
50 years of Rajinikanth: How directors and audiences came to love the man and his craft

Indian Express

timean hour ago

  • Indian Express

50 years of Rajinikanth: How directors and audiences came to love the man and his craft

Written by Kenshin Growing up in Kerala in the '90s in a home without cable TV and with parents who never went to theatres, my only access to films was Doordarshan and the occasional visit to neighbours who enjoyed a cable connection. But films were part of the fabric of my daily existence. My childhood heroes included Mammootty, Mohanlal, Shah Rukh Khan, Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor and Kamal Haasan. Rajinikanth was not on the list. Still, I would mimic the Rajini walk and mouth his dialogues — not as a fan boy but as someone quietly registering how distinct and balanced his style was. It was only when adulthood hit and I turned to a career as an actor and writer that I realised how, despite not growing up as a Rajinikanth fan, he was an indelible part of my life. As I began to look at cinema through the eyes of an actor, I understood that Rajini was not just a superstar with a larger-than-life persona. His legacy lay in the way he transformed the very idea of superstardom in India and the way he converted mundane actions into celebratory scenes. Even as many people dismissed the actor as 'excessive', I found on close inspection that his every gesture — from the iconic cigarette flip to his slow-motion walk — was measured and executed with ease. In fact, it was a language of control, rhythm, timing, and command over the audience's heartbeats. At the centre of this unprecedented stardom is the way in which the actor used his body as an instrument. Rajinikanth often used stillness and silence to convey meaning, his body holding space. For example, in a fight scene, he didn't jump straight into action, but occupied the frame with stillness, letting the tension build. In films like Murattu Kaalai (1980), whether it was his walk, the way he adjusted his mundu or leaned on a staff, Rajinikanth transformed everyday movement into stage presence. An act like munching on a sugarcane became memorable to the audience because he invested it with rhythm and authority. American acting coach Uta Hagen writes that the actor's body must be free of unnecessary tension. In Rajini's case, even if a scene or a character was tense, the actor was often relaxed, almost casual. He didn't look like he's 'acting' because he was not trying to be somebody else. In Mahendran's Johnny (1980), Rajini played dual roles, the titular character of a thief and Vidyasagar, a hairstylist. This was the same year that his smash hits Billa and Murattu Kaalai released. But in Johnny, Rajini's characters were vulnerable, often tender. It was also a film where one could see the actor's greatest skill — listening. He listened not just with his face but his entire body, making reactions come alive with micro-shifts — leaning in slightly, adjusting his posture, lowering his chin or arching an eyebrow. In Johnny, he was almost 'anti-Rajini' — restrained, inward, deeply reactive and fully present in his exchanges with Sridevi. He grounded the characters in stripped-down naturalism. In films such as Thillu Mullu and Netrikkan (both 1981), one can still see Rajini using his body organically to transform simple actions into iconic theatrical moments, creating a stage reality that felt truthful and larger-than-life at the same time. But by this time, a transformation from an actor to a star was beginning. Traits that would later become Rajini's signature moves, such as flipping a cigarette into his mouth, started with K Balachander's Moondru Mudichu (1976). But these directors were yet to fully capitalise on Rajini's star value. They kept the cinematography relatively static with long shots and ample space for theatrical intensity. It was in the late 1980s, as Rajini associated with filmmakers such as S P Muthuraman (Velaikkaran, 1987 and Guru Sishyan, 1988) and Rajashekhar (Maveeran, 1986), that the transformation into a star was fully realised. These directors used various techniques to maximise Rajini's style, such as pauses before dialogues, zoom-ins for his signature gestures and slow-motion entry shots. At the turn of the decade came Mani Ratnam's Thalapathy (1991), a massively successful film that amalgamated Rajini's nuanced acting with the stylistics of a star portraying a working-class hero who spoke directly to the masses. This paved the way for later filmmakers such as K S Ravikumar (Muthu, 1995 and Padayappa, 1999) and P Vasu (Chandramukhi, 2005). From being a character in a story, a superstar Rajini emerged to interact directly with the audience, creating a greater intimacy with them. Directors would use more dramatic camera angles to aid the star who would deliver sharp dialogue meant to exhilarate the viewers. His signature gestures and entry into a scene became powerful motifs that would leave fans in a frenzy. This demarcation between Rajini, the actor, and Rajini, the star, also led to comparisons with the other Tamil superstar Haasan. The latter was touted as the actor's actor who would often choose roles that would transform him into a different person. And when his film fared poorly or his performance was critiqued (which was rare), it was often associated with flaws in his acting method. But Rajinikanth, who was boxed in as the superstar, could never disappoint because he never tried to 'become the character'. Hence, when a Rajini film flopped, the failure was attributed to the director. If it was the character and his world that mattered to Haasan, for Rajini, it was the space between himself and the audience that was of prime importance. While the former would put in efforts to make the character 'believable', Rajini focused on elevating the ordinary to a stylised realm. This made him believable because the audience never expected him to play a realistic character. Instead of disappearing into his characters like Haasan, Rajini channelled his characters through his own evolving persona. Whether it was Mullum Malarum (1978), Baashha (1995), Padayappa (1999) or even Sivaji: The Boss (2007), Rajinikanth's essence was fundamentally the same even as collaborations with different directors brought in minor changes in his metre and rhythm. The more I act, the more I realise that it is harder to 'just be' than 'become' someone else. This is especially so within the Indian film industry where there is a constant pressure to spoon-feed emotions to the audience. But Rajinikanth is proof that if the actor's intent is right and if he prepares for the scene, the emotions will flow naturally. As Rajinikanth's cinematic legacy completes 50 years, I have now started to walk the Rajini walk. Not to mimic him, but because the posture gave me pain relief and the ability to be relaxed and driven at the same time. I realised that this was not merely Rajinikanth's style. In his world, even the most mundane gestures can transform into a flow of balance, rhythm and survival. Kenshin is an actor and writer working in the Malayalam film industry

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store