Sly Stone, pioneering funk musician and Sly and the Family Stone frontman, has died. He was 82 years old.
A statement from his family shared with Complex said that Stone, born Sylvester Stewart, suffered from "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," the statement continued. "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 Sly and the Family Stone, the late artist released ten studio albums, including There's A Riot Goin' On and Fresh. In 1993, the funk band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in 2017, Stone received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Before he became an innovator in funk, psychedelic soul and rock 'n' roll, Stone was born in Denton, Texas in 1943 and was raised in Vallejo. The artist was a member of a 1950s family gospel group with younger siblings Freddie, Rose, and Vaetta, all of whom would later join Sly and the Family Stone.
Last year, Stone released his memoir, Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin), which was succeeded by Hulu documentary, Sly Lives! The musician's family has since completed a screenplay about Stone's life, which they are "eager to share."
"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," his family's statement read.
