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The Guardian
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Sly Stone, pioneering funk and soul musician, dies aged 82
Sly Stone, the American musician who lit up generations of dancefloors with his gloriously funky and often socially conscious songwriting, has died aged 82. '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,' a family statement reads. '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.' With his group Sly and the Family Stone, Stone tied together soul, psychedelic rock and gospel into fervent, uplifting songs, and became one of the key progenitors of the 1970s funk sound alongside James Brown and others. The group's hits include three US No 1 singles – Everyday People, Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) and Family Affair – plus Dance to the Music, I Want to Take You Higher, Hot Fun in the Summertime and more. The 1971 album There's a Riot Goin' On, a moody reflection on civil rights and the corrupted idealism of the postwar era created predominantly by Stone apart from the rest of his band, is widely regarded as one of the greatest of the 20th century. Born Sylvester Stewart to a Pentecostal religious family in Texas in 1943, Stone grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. His first music came in a gospel quartet with three siblings, the Stewart Four, who put out a locally released single in 1952. As a young man he became well known in the fertile musical scene of countercultural San Francisco: a multi-instrumentalist and radio DJ who had a series of local bands and worked as a producer for garage rock and psychedelia groups such as the Beau Brummels. In 1966, he fused his band Sly and& the Stoners with his brother Freddie's group Freddie and the Stone Souls, to form Sly and the Family Stone. Their breakthrough came the following year with Dance to the Music, and success was fully established by their fourth album in two years, Stand! (1969), which eventually sold more than three million copies. The band's stylistic and racial diversity attracted a broad audience, and they played both of the defining music festivals of 1969, Woodstock and the Harlem cultural festival. Hits continued more fitfully during the early 1970s, and the group – notorious for no-shows at concerts – slowly fractured amid increasing drug use. Stone would record There's a Riot Goin' On predominantly on his own, applying one of the earliest uses of a drum machine; albums such as Fresh!, with its Richard Avedon portrait of Stone on the cover, were also primarily his work. The band split entirely in 1975, though Stone continued to use the band name for solo releases. Despite having laid the rhythmic groundwork for disco, Stone couldn't sustain his career in the late 1970s, and his addiction to cocaine worsened. He continued to perform with peers such as Funkadelic and Bobby Womack, but album releases dried up after 1982's Ain't But the One Way. He was arrested in 1983 for cocaine possession, and for driving under the influence of cocaine in 1987, prompting him to flee California for Connecticut. He was apprehended two years later, and sentenced to 55 days in prison, five years' probation and a fine. His difficulties meant that he was little seen during the 1990s, and it wasn't until 2006 that he performed in public again, at a tribute to Sly and the Family Stone at the Grammy awards. He performed with the Family Stone on a tour the following year, but often erratically, and made a lacklustre appearance at 2010's Coachella festival. His final album, I'm Back! Family & Friends, featuring re-recordings of old songs alongside three new tracks, was released in 2011. In 2015 he was awarded $5m in a lawsuit against his former manager and attorney, successfully arguing that royalty payments had been diverted from him, though he ultimately wasn't awarded the money due to the terms of a 1989 royalties agreement with a production company. Difficulties with royalties meant that Stone spent many of his latter years in poverty; in 2011 he was living in a campervan in a residential area of Los Angeles – voluntarily, he claimed – and relying on a retired couple for food. 'Sly was a monumental figure, a groundbreaking innovator, and a true pioneer who redefined the landscape of pop, funk, and rock music,' the family statement added. 'His iconic songs have left an indelible mark on the world, and his influence remains undeniable. In a testament to his enduring creative spirit, Sly recently completed the screenplay for his life story, a project we are eager to share with the world in due course, which follows a memoir published in 2024.' He was married from 1974 to 1976 to Kathy Silva, with whom he had a son, Sylvester Jr. He later had two further children: Sylvyette with Cynthia Robinson, and Novena Carmel.
UAE Moments
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- UAE Moments
Remembering Freddie Aguilar - Filipino Music Legend's Legacy
Freddie Aguilar, the iconic Filipino folk singer, passed away at the age of 72, leaving behind a powerful legacy etched in the heart of the nation. Known for his deeply emotional and socially conscious songs, Aguilar was more than a musician—he was a voice for the people. His music continues to echo the soul of the Filipino experience. Early Life and Musical Roots Ferdinand Pascual Aguilar, known globally as Freddie Aguilar, was born on February 5, 1953, in Isabela, Philippines. Raised in a musically inclined family, he learned to play the guitar by age nine and began writing songs in his teens. Despite parental pressure to finish college and become a lawyer, Aguilar dropped out to follow his dream of becoming a musician. His early life struggles would later inform the powerful emotional themes in his music, particularly those relating to family, identity, and social hardship. Breakthrough with 'Anak' Aguilar achieved meteoric fame in 1978 with the release of 'Anak' (meaning 'Child'), a song inspired by his regrets and reconciliation with his parents. Translated into over 20 languages Sold over 30 million copies worldwide Considered the most commercially successful Philippine song ever A staple in Filipino households and karaoke bars globally 'Anak' touched on themes of remorse, gratitude, and familial love—emotions that transcended borders and languages. Champion of Social and Political Causes Freddie Aguilar was more than just a singer; he was a voice for the people. During the Marcos dictatorship, his music became a rallying cry for those resisting oppression. Notable examples of his activism include: Performing 'Bayan Ko', which became a protest anthem during Martial Law Writing songs that highlighted the struggles of the marginalized, such as 'Mindanao' and 'Magdalena' Using folk and rock music as tools for social commentary He firmly believed that music should not only entertain but also enlighten and provoke thought. Contributions to Original Pilipino Music (OPM) A pioneer in the OPM movement, Aguilar encouraged Filipino musicians to embrace their roots and create music that resonated with the local culture. His contributions include: Over a dozen studio albums rich in Filipino storytelling Recognition from the Awit Awards and other cultural institutions Mentorship and collaboration with younger Filipino artists Aguilar's music fused traditional Filipino sounds with modern folk and rock, creating a unique and lasting musical identity. Legacy and Passing Freddie Aguilar passed away surrounded by family, leaving behind a rich legacy of heartfelt music and courageous activism. His passing was mourned across the Philippines and by fans worldwide. He leaves us with: Timeless songs that continue to influence generations A model of how art can be used for advocacy A legacy rooted in sincerity, courage, and cultural pride Though he is no longer with us, Freddie Aguilar's voice continues to echo in the soul of the Filipino people. Freddie Aguilar's legacy transcends music; he was a voice for the voiceless and a symbol of Filipino pride. His songs continue to inspire, comfort, and provoke thought across generations. As the melodies of 'Anak' and 'Bayan Ko' live on, so does the spirit of a man who used music to move a nation. His voice remains timeless.
Daily Mail
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Iconic '70s band lead singer quits live on air during The Voice finale shocker
The lead singer of Foreigner stunned longtime fans with a surprise announcement during Tuesday's season finale of The Voice. Following the band's electrifying performance, Kelly Hansen—who joined the group in 2005—revealed that he'll be stepping down after nearly two decades at the mic. 'After 20 magical years fronting this band, this will be my last year with Foreigner,' Hansen told the audience. 'At the end of this summer, a new great voice will sing these songs for you; my friend Luis Maldonado.' In a later statement, he added: 'Being the voice of Foreigner has been one of the greatest honors of my life. But it's time to pass the mic. Luis has the voice, the energy, and the soul to carry these songs into the future. I couldn't be prouder to hand this off to him.' Maldonado, the band's longtime guitarist, added in a statement: 'This music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I'm ready to honor Foreigner's legacy and bring my heart to every performance.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Foreigner shot to fame in the late 1970s and ruled the charts through the '80s with a string of rock anthems and ballads, including Cold as Ice, Hot Blooded, Urgent and Juke Box Hero. The band hit the stage during The Voice finale with a powerhouse medley of their classics, including Feels Like the First Time and the fan-favorite ballad I Want to Know What Love Is. Foreigner came together in New York City in 1976, with guitarist Mick Jones assembling a powerhouse lineup. It included singer Lou Gramm, drummer Dennis Elliott, keyboardist Al Greenwood, bassist Ed Gagliardi, and multi-instrumentalist Ian McDonald. In a statement, Jones said, 'In 1976, my goal was to assemble the finest group of musicians I could find. Results have shown that it worked! 'About thirty years later, Jason Bonham encouraged me to do it all over again and create a brand-new Foreigner, and the magic was still there. I was especially fortunate in the choice of lead singer. 'Kelly Hansen is one of the best front men in our business and over the last twenty years he has breathed new life into our songs. His boundless energy and flawless talent has helped us climb the mountain and set up the opportunity for Foreigner vocalist and guitarist, Luis Maldonado, to bring us home.' He concluded, 'I wish Kelly great happiness in his next endeavors after our summer tour, and I look forward to welcoming Luis to his new position. The band hit the stage during The Voice finale with a powerhouse medley of their classics, including Feels Like the First Time and the fan-favorite ballad I Want to Know What Love Is. 'Luis was my choice as a guitarist and he has already shown us what he can do on lead vocals by fronting the band in South America to incredible reviews. 'He will soon lead the charge that will carry us forward to new heights.' Foreigner were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year, though the current lineup wasn't included in the honor, as they weren't part of the original band. The inductees included founding members Jones, Elliott, Gagliard (who passed away in 2014), Gramm, Greenwood, McDonald (who died in 2022), and longtime bassist Rick Wills. Foreigner is currently touring North America through November, with a stop at Louisville's Bourbon & Beyond festival in September, and a string of headlining shows set for 2026 at the Venetian Theatre in Las Vegas.
