Sly Stone, the influential funk and soul musician and leader of Sly and the Family Stone, has died aged 82. The obituary chronicles his profound impact on African-American popular music from 1968-1973, his band's success with hits like "Everyday People" and "Family Affair," their iconic Woodstock performance, and his later struggles with drug addiction and isolation, as well as his recent autobiography and documentary.
Sly Stone obituary
Sly StoneCulturePop and rockSoulUnited States
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Sly Stone, the influential funk and soul musician and leader of Sly and the Family Stone, has died aged 82. The obituary chronicles his profound impact on African-American popular music from 1968-1973, his band's success with hits like "Everyday People" and "Family Affair," their iconic Woodstock performance, and his later struggles with drug addiction and isolation, as well as his recent autobiography and documentary.
Trending- 1 1960: Sly Stone released two singles with the Viscaynes.
- 2 Mid-1960s: Sly Stone worked as a DJ at KSOL and KDIA.
- 3 1966: Sly Stone formed Sly and the Family Stone.
- 4 1967: A Whole New Thing (debut album) released.
- 5 1968: Everyday People released; Dance to the Music and Life albums released.
- 6 Early 1969: Everyday People topped US charts.
- 7 1969: Stand! album released; band performed at Woodstock festival; band relocated to Los Angeles.
- 8 1970: Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) topped charts; Greatest Hits collection released.
- 9 1973: There’s a Riot Goin’ On album released; Fresh album released; Greg Errico and Larry Graham left the band.
- 10 1974: Small Talk album released.
- 11 1975: 90% of tickets for a New York concert unsold; The Family Stone dissolved.
- 12 1977: Epic released Sly Stone from his contract.
- 13 1982: Ain’t But the One Way (last album) released.
- 14 2007: European tour booked, but widely ridiculed.
- 15 2023: Autobiography "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Again)" published.
- 16 2024: Documentary "Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius)" released.
- 17 Recent: Sly Stone died aged 82.
- Sly Stone's death
- Profound change in African-American popular music
- Influence on numerous artists
- Personal struggles with drug addiction and isolation
- Financial and professional difficulties
- Lasting legacy as a musical icon
What: The death of Sly Stone, a highly influential funk and soul musician, and a retrospective of his career, impact on music, personal struggles, and legacy.
When: Died aged 82 (recently); 1968-1973 (period of profound influence); 1968 (Everyday People released); early 1969 (Everyday People topped charts); 1969 (Stand! album released, Woodstock festival); late 1969 (band relocated to Los Angeles); 1970 (Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) topped charts, Greatest Hits released); almost two years (There’s a Riot Goin’ On took to emerge); 1973 (Fresh album, Errico and Graham left); 1974 (Small Talk album); 1975 (New York concert); 1977 (Epic released him); 1982 (Ain’t But the One Way, last album); 2007 (European tour); 2023 (autobiography published); 2024 (documentary released); 1960 (released two singles with Viscaynes); mid-60s (DJ at KSOL, KDIA); 1966 (formed Sly and the Family Stone); 1967 (A Whole New Thing released).
Where: Denton, Texas (born); Vallejo, California (grew up, Vallejo Junior College, Fairfield); Los Angeles (band relocated); Bel Air (Sly's mansion); San Francisco (KSOL radio); Oakland (KDIA radio); New York (1975 concert); Europe (2007 tour).
Why: Sly Stone's death prompts a review of his significant contributions to music, his innovative approach to blending genres and promoting unity, and the challenges he faced due to drug addiction and industry pressures.
How: The obituary details Sly Stone's musical journey, from his early gospel and doo wop days to forming Sly and the Family Stone, achieving widespread fame and influence, and then his decline into addiction and isolation. It highlights his key albums, performances, and the lasting impact he had on other musicians and the genre.