Latest news with #SlyAndTheFamilyStone
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sly & The Family Stone's Streams Up 563% Following Sly Stone's Death
Welcome to Billboard Pro's Trending Up newsletter, where we take a closer look at the songs, artists, curiosities and trends that have caught the music industry's attention. Some have come out of nowhere, others have taken months to catch on, and all of them could become ubiquitous in the blink of a TikTok clip. This week: Sly & the Family Stone's streams are way up following the passing of the group's iconic bandleader, Coldplay sees a heartbroken deep cut go viral for its frontman's rumored real-life heartbreak, Beyoncé gets a bump for a song she's not even playing on tour and more. More from Billboard Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Head to Florida for Stanley Cup Final Twenty One Pilots Drop New Single, 'The Contract,' Detail North American Tour Dates j-hope Heads to Memphis to Recruit GloRilla for 'Killin' It Girl' Single: Listen The legendary Sly Stone died earlier this week (June 9) at age 82, leaving behind a seismic impact on the worlds of funk, rock and soul. Though sadly brief in his run as a prominent recording artist – the original lineup of Stone's signature outfit Sly & the Family Stone fell apart within a decade, and Stone became reclusive not long thereafter – his imprint on future generations of artists remains indelible, with a pair of undisputed classic albums (1969's Stand! and 1971's There's a Riot Goin' On) and countless classic singles. Unsurprisingly, following his death, fans flocked to streaming services to revisit Sly & the Family Stone's most beloved works. His catalog combined for 2.5 million U.S. on-demand audio streams over Tuesday and Wednesday, the two days following his death – up 563% from 385,000 streams over the same period the previous week, according to Luminate. Among the most-streamed classics across those two days: 'Everyday People' (up 168% to 326,000 streams, following a Cher-and-Future-assisted bump two weeks ago), 'Dance to the Music' (up 408% to 174,000) and 'Thank You Falettin Me Be Mice Elf Agin' (up 378% to 169,000). – ANDREW UNTERBERGER Last week, news broke that Coldplay's Chris Martin and actress Dakota Johnson had reportedly called it quits after eight years of on-and-off dating. Although the couple has not publicly commented on the reports, Coldplay has spent the past few weeks playing stadiums as part of their years-long Music of the Spheres tour — and Martin's performance of the heart-wrenched song 'Sparks' during the shows has inspired some post-breakup gawking, and a significant streaming boost. 'And I know I was wrong/ But I won't let you down/ Oh yeah I will, yeah I will, yes I will,' Martin sings on the track from Coldplay's 2000 debut Parachutes, which he performs in a stripped-down version on acoustic guitar during the stadium tour. After the band performed for two nights at Las Vegas' Allegiant Stadium last week and at Denver's Empower Field at Mile High on Tuesday night (June 10), TikTok clips began to surface focused on Martin's pained facial expression during the song's chorus, with one popular clip captioned, 'Homie is heartbroken.' Whether it's capturing true feelings or just a projection, the viral boost has translated to streaming services, where 'Sparks' earned 1.5 million U.S. on-demand audio streams on June 9-10 — a 64% increase from its streaming total during the previous Monday and Tuesday, according to Luminate. We'll see if the 25-year-old track can keep surging, although Coldplay will play a pair of stadium shows in El Paso this weekend — and many phones will once again be trained on Martin during one of the show's more emotional moments. – JASON LIPSHUTZ With their fast-rising new Hollywood single, Cali rap stars YG and Shoreline Mafia (currently comprised of OhGeesy and Fenix Flexin) are looking to keep the West Coast's Kendrick Lamar-fueled momentum going for the rest of the year. The new single, which dropped on May 23, appears to be another (more upbeat and danceable) taste of the forthcoming project YG teased with March's '2004.' Featuring an assist from Shoreline Mafia and bars directed at Joey Bada$$ ('All the pretty hoes gon' play this/ Joey Bada$$ gon' hate this'), 'Hollywood' is an easy song of the summer contender that's quickly taken over socials. On TikTok, the official 'Hollywood' sound has garnered over 10,000 posts, thanks to the music video's viral Storm DeBarge-crafted choreography. According to Luminate, 'Hollywood' earned 3.28 million official on-demand U.S. streams in its first full week of release (May 23-29). The following week (May 30-June 5), that figure jumped by 53.5% to just over five million official streams. On the Jun. 14-dated Bubbling Under Hot 100, 'Hollywood' debuted at No. 3, a promising sign for the rest of its chart run. Should its growth continue, 'Hollywood' could land YG his first Hot 100 entry as a lead artist in nearly three years. – KYLE DENIS 'All Night,' the sweeping ballad that wraps up Beyoncé's forgiveness narrative on her blockbuster 2016 Lemonade LP, has been a fan-favorite for nearly ten years. Now, thanks to a viral Cowboy Carter mash-up, it's become something of a streaming hit. On April 14, TikTok user @cowboydanny posted a mashup of 'All Night' and Cowboy Carter's 'Tyrant,' laying the latter's lead vocals over the former's instrumental and drawing a connection between the songs' shared theme of redemption. The moving mash-up quickly went viral on TikTok amongst the Beyhive, eventually spreading to the platform at-large once the Cowboy Carter Tour kicked off two weeks later on April 28. On TikTok, @cowboydanny's original post has collected over one million views, while the accompanying sound plays in around 35,000 posts. On YouTube, the creator's official upload of the mashup boasts nearly 640,000 hits. For the past eight weeks, 'All Night' has seen a steady, gradual resurgence on streaming as a new generation of consumers discover the Lemonade visual album for the first time. During the week of April 11-17, 'All Night' earned just under 940,000 official on-demand U.S. streams, according to Luminate. Six weeks later (May 30-June 5), that number ballooned by 76% to over 1.65 million official streams. Even though Beyoncé does not perform 'All Night' on the Cowboy Carter Tour (she does, however, perform 'Tyrant'), the song is still connecting with listeners and gaining new fans nine years later. – KD Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Four Decades of 'Madonna': A Look Back at the Queen of Pop's Debut Album on the Charts Chart Rewind: In 1990, Madonna Was in 'Vogue' Atop the Hot 100
Daily Mail
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Sly Stone dead at 82: Funk legend during the 60s passes away as cause of death is revealed
The frontman for American funk legends Sly And The Family Stone has died at 82. Sly Stone's family announced the influential musician's death in a statement released Monday. They revealed that he had a prolonged battle with Chronic Obstructed Pulmonary Disease (COPD) which was complicated by other underlying health issues. The artist's family wrote: 'It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved dad, Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone. 'Sly passed away peacefully, surrounded by his three children, his closest friend, and his extended family. '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.' His band Sly And The Family Stone is credited as one of the most influential bands in the development of funk, soul, R&B, rock and psychedelic music. The statement continued: 'Sly was a monumental figure, a groundbreaking innovator, and a true pioneer who redefined the landscape of pop, funk, and rock music. 'His iconic songs have left an indelible mark on the world, and his influence remains undeniable.' The family continued by revealing that those who are interested in reading about the life of the music legend can do by reading his memoir released last year. The statement read: '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. 'We extend our deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love and prayers during this difficult time. We wish peace and harmony to all who were touched by Sly's life and his iconic music. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your unwavering support.' His pioneering band was best known for their hits Dance To The Music, Everyday People, and Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin). Sly And The Family Stone included two of his actual siblings - Freddie and Rose Stone - as they formed in San Francisco, California in 1966. The artist was born Sylvester Stewart in Denton, Texas, in 1943 before his entire family moved out west. His nickname Sly came when classmate had misspelled his name. Then when he changed his stage surname from Stewart to Stone, his two siblings who were in his band also followed suit. He had began performing in bands throughout high school before going on to study music at Solano Community College. However, his music career began as he left school to work as a DJ for San Francisco radio station KSOL and worked with many emerging acts. Then in 1966, he and his brother combined their bands. Sly's band was called Sly And The Stoners while Freddie's was named Freddie And The Stone Souls. Of their decision to unite, Sly wrote in his 2023 memoir Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin): 'The band had a concept — White and Black together, male and female both, and women not just singing but playing instruments. 'That was a big deal back then, and it was a big deal on purpose.' The band released their debut album - titled A Whole New Thing - in 1967. That same year they performed at he iconic Woodstock. They enjoyed plenty of success until the 1970s when Sly's drug issues began to come to a head. By 1975, his drug problems and interpersonal clashes led to dissolution but he remained with the band and continued to tour with a rotating lineup. However, his drug problems forced his effective retirement in 1987. Sly And The Family Stone were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 1993 but he kept his distance from the rest of the band. Sly was married to model-actress Kathy Silva from 1974 to 1976 and separated after their son Sylvester Jr. was mauled by his dog. He also two daughters: Sylvyette Phunne with Cynthia Robinson in 1976 and Novena Carmel whom he welcomed in 1982.
The Guardian
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Share your tributes and memories of Sly Stone
Sly Stone, the American funk legend and lead member of the band Sly and the Family Stone, has died at the age of 82. Founded in 1966, Sly and the Family Stone'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, is widely regarded as one of the greatest of the 20th century. The band split in 1975, though Stone continued to use the name for solo releases. We would like to hear your tributes and memories of Sly Stone – whether you met him, or appreciated his work as a musician. You can share your tributes and memories of Sly Stone using this form. Please note, the maximum file size is 5.7 MB. This will help us with our reporting This will help us with our reporting
South Wales Guardian
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Sly Stone, leader of funk revolutionaries Sly And The Family Stone, dies aged 82
Stone, born Sylvester Stewart, had been in poor health in recent years. His publicist Carleen Donovan said that Stone died surrounded by family after contending with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other ailments. Formed in 1966-67, Sly And The Family Stone were the first major group to include black and white men and women, and well embodied a time when anything seemed possible – riots and assassinations, communes and love-ins. The singers screeched, chanted, crooned and hollered. The music was a blowout of frantic horns, rapid-fire guitar and locomotive rhythms, a melting pot of jazz, psychedelic rock, doo-wop, soul and the early grooves of funk. Sly's time on top was brief, roughly from 1968-1971, but profound. No band better captured the gravity-defying euphoria of the Woodstock era or more bravely addressed the crash which followed. From early songs as rousing as their titles – I Want To Take You Higher, Stand! – to the sober aftermath of Family Affair and Runnin' Away, Sly And The Family Stone spoke for a generation whether or not it liked what they had to say. Stone's group began as a Bay Area outfit featuring Sly on keyboards; Larry Graham on bass; Sly's brother, Freddie, on guitar; sister Rose on vocals; Cynthia Robinson and Jerry Martini on horns; and Greg Errico on drums. They debuted with the album A Whole New Thing and earned the title with their breakthrough single Dance To The Music. It hit the top 10 in April 1968, the week the Rev Martin Luther King was murdered, and helped launch an era when the polish of Motown and the understatement of Stax suddenly seemed of another time. Led by Sly Stone, with his leather jumpsuits and goggle shades, mile-wide grin and mile-high Afro, the band dazzled in 1969 at the Woodstock festival and set a new pace on the radio. Everyday People, I Wanna Take You Higher and other songs were anthems of community, non-conformity and a brash and hopeful spirit, built around such catchphrases as 'different strokes for different folks'. The group released five top 10 singles, three of them hitting number one, and three million-selling albums: Stand!, There's A Riot Goin' On and Greatest Hits. For a time, countless performers wanted to look and sound like Sly And The Family Stone. The Jackson Five's breakthrough hit I Want You Back and The Temptations' I Can't Get Next To You were among the many songs from the late 1960s that mimicked Sly's vocal and instrumental arrangements. Miles Davis' landmark blend of jazz, rock and funk, Bitches Brew, was inspired in part by Sly, while fellow jazz artist Herbie Hancock even named a song after him. 'He had a way of talking, moving from playful to earnest at will. He had a look, belts, and hats and jewelry,' Questlove wrote in the foreword to Stone's memoir, Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin), named for one of his biggest hits and published through Questlove's imprint in 2023. 'He was a special case, cooler than everything around him by a factor of infinity.' In 2025, Questlove released the documentary Sly Lives! (aka The Burden Of Black Genius). Sly's influence has endured for decades. The top funk artist of the 1970s, Parliament-Funkadelic creator George Clinton, was a Stone disciple. Prince, Rick James and The Black Eyed Peas were among the many performers from the 1980s and after influenced by Sly, and countless rap and hip-hop artists have sampled his riffs, from the Beastie Boys to Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg. A 2005 tribute record included Maroon 5, John Legend and the Roots. 'Sly did so many things so well that he turned my head all the way around,' Clinton once wrote. 'He could create polished R&B that sounded like it came from an act that had gigged at clubs for years, and then in the next breath he could be as psychedelic as the heaviest rock band.'
Glasgow Times
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Sly Stone, leader of funk revolutionaries Sly And The Family Stone, dies aged 82
Stone, born Sylvester Stewart, had been in poor health in recent years. His publicist Carleen Donovan said that Stone died surrounded by family after contending with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other ailments. Sly Stone from the group Sly And The Family Stone performs at the 48th Annual Grammy Awards in 2006 in Los Angeles (Mark J Terrill/AP) Formed in 1966-67, Sly And The Family Stone were the first major group to include black and white men and women, and well embodied a time when anything seemed possible – riots and assassinations, communes and love-ins. The singers screeched, chanted, crooned and hollered. The music was a blowout of frantic horns, rapid-fire guitar and locomotive rhythms, a melting pot of jazz, psychedelic rock, doo-wop, soul and the early grooves of funk. Sly's time on top was brief, roughly from 1968-1971, but profound. No band better captured the gravity-defying euphoria of the Woodstock era or more bravely addressed the crash which followed. From early songs as rousing as their titles – I Want To Take You Higher, Stand! – to the sober aftermath of Family Affair and Runnin' Away, Sly And The Family Stone spoke for a generation whether or not it liked what they had to say. Stone's group began as a Bay Area outfit featuring Sly on keyboards; Larry Graham on bass; Sly's brother, Freddie, on guitar; sister Rose on vocals; Cynthia Robinson and Jerry Martini on horns; and Greg Errico on drums. They debuted with the album A Whole New Thing and earned the title with their breakthrough single Dance To The Music. It hit the top 10 in April 1968, the week the Rev Martin Luther King was murdered, and helped launch an era when the polish of Motown and the understatement of Stax suddenly seemed of another time. Led by Sly Stone, with his leather jumpsuits and goggle shades, mile-wide grin and mile-high Afro, the band dazzled in 1969 at the Woodstock festival and set a new pace on the radio. Everyday People, I Wanna Take You Higher and other songs were anthems of community, non-conformity and a brash and hopeful spirit, built around such catchphrases as 'different strokes for different folks'. The group released five top 10 singles, three of them hitting number one, and three million-selling albums: Stand!, There's A Riot Goin' On and Greatest Hits. For a time, countless performers wanted to look and sound like Sly And The Family Stone. The Jackson Five's breakthrough hit I Want You Back and The Temptations' I Can't Get Next To You were among the many songs from the late 1960s that mimicked Sly's vocal and instrumental arrangements. Miles Davis' landmark blend of jazz, rock and funk, Bitches Brew, was inspired in part by Sly, while fellow jazz artist Herbie Hancock even named a song after him. 'He had a way of talking, moving from playful to earnest at will. He had a look, belts, and hats and jewelry,' Questlove wrote in the foreword to Stone's memoir, Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin), named for one of his biggest hits and published through Questlove's imprint in 2023. Sly Stone from the group Sly And The Family Stone performs at the Grammy Awards in 2006 (Mark J Terrill/AP) 'He was a special case, cooler than everything around him by a factor of infinity.' In 2025, Questlove released the documentary Sly Lives! (aka The Burden Of Black Genius). Sly's influence has endured for decades. The top funk artist of the 1970s, Parliament-Funkadelic creator George Clinton, was a Stone disciple. Prince, Rick James and The Black Eyed Peas were among the many performers from the 1980s and after influenced by Sly, and countless rap and hip-hop artists have sampled his riffs, from the Beastie Boys to Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg. A 2005 tribute record included Maroon 5, John Legend and the Roots. 'Sly did so many things so well that he turned my head all the way around,' Clinton once wrote. 'He could create polished R&B that sounded like it came from an act that had gigged at clubs for years, and then in the next breath he could be as psychedelic as the heaviest rock band.'
