Latest news with #musicallegacy
CNN
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- CNN
Sly Stone, pioneering funk musician, dead at 82
Sly Stone, the influential but enigmatic funk-rock star whose soulful, socially conscious recordings altered the course of popular music before he abruptly retreated from the spotlight and became the J.D. Salinger of rock, has died, his family announced Monday. He was 82. 'It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved dad, Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone,' according to a statement from his family. '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. 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.' 'Sly was a monumental figure, a groundbreaking innovator, and a true pioneer who redefined the landscape of pop, funk, and rock music,' their statement continued. '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.' Born Sylvester Stewart in Denton, Texas, the second of five children his family was affiliated with the Church Of God In Christ (COGIC) and continued their involvement with the denomination following the family's move to Vallejo, California. He was eight years old when he and three of his siblings recorded a gospel single under the group name Stewart Four. 'A musical prodigy, he became known as Sly in early grade school, the result of a friend misspelling 'Sylvester.' He was adept at keyboards, guitar, bass, and drums by age eleven, and went on to perform in several high school bands,' according to his site. 'One of these groups, the Viscaynes, boasted an integrated lineup, a fact that did not go unnoticed in the late 1950s. The group cut a few singles, and Sly also released a few singles as well during that period, working with his younger brother Freddie.' This story is developing and will be updated.
The Sun
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Sly Stone dead at 82 after long health battle as family mourns Sly and the Family Stone singer as ‘true pioneer'
MUSIC legend Sly Stone, frontman of Sly and the Family Stone, has passed away at the age of 82, The U.S. Sun has learned. The musician's death comes after a 'prolonged battle' with COPD, otherwise known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, as well as struggles with 'other underlying health issues.' 3 In a statement sent to The U.S. Sun, a rep for the pioneer of funk music said on behalf of his family: 'It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved dad, Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone. '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. '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.' 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. '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.' Sly and the Family Stone formed as a funk band in San Francisco in 1966. The group would go on to be pivotal in the development of not only funk music, but also soul, R&B, rock, and psychedelic tunes up until they disbanded in 1983. During their 20 years as a band, Sly and the Family Stone included two of Sly's actual siblings, his brother Freddie Stone, sister and singer/keyboardist Rose Stone. They created huge hits like Dance to the Music, Everyday People and Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin). However, his substance abuse and concerning behavior heavily impacted the group, which split up for a final time in the 1980s. Sly, who's full name is Sylvester Stewart, was born in Denton, Texas, in 1943. His family soon moved to Northern California, where the youngster began singing in his church choir alongside his siblings from the age of 4. The star got his nickname, Sly, from elementary school classmates who misspelled his name. More to follow... For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos. 3
