Sly Stone, the groundbreaking funk pioneer and frontman of Sly and the Family Stone, passed away peacefully at the age of 82 after a prolonged battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other underlying health issues. His family confirmed the news on June 9, 2025, sharing that he was surrounded by his three children, his closest friend, and extended family during his final moments.
Born Sylvester Stewart in Denton, Texas, in 1943, Stone grew up in San Francisco where he began his musical journey. As a teenager, he formed his first band, The Stewart Four, with his siblings, releasing their only record in 1956. By the mid-1960s, Stone was a DJ at San Francisco’s KSOL radio station and was producing for emerging artists. In 1967, he and his brother Freddie merged their bands to create Sly and the Family Stone, a revolutionary group known for its racial integration and gender diversity at a time when such inclusivity was rare in the music industry.
The band’s first album, A Whole New Thing (1967), did not achieve commercial success, but their 1968 release Dance to the Music propelled them into the spotlight with its title track becoming a top-ten hit. Their socially conscious anthem “Everyday People,” from the 1968 album Stand!, reached number one and became a unifying call during a turbulent era. The band’s performance at Woodstock in 1969 further cemented their status as cultural icons. George Clinton once described seeing the group as “like seeing the Black version of The Beatles.”
Despite their success, Stone’s life was marked by personal struggles. The pressures of fame and a growing dependency on drugs, including cocaine and PCP, took a toll. His 2023 memoir, Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin), detailed his heavy drug use during the 1960s and 1970s, including stories of carrying a violin case full of drugs. Though he achieved sobriety in 2019, the long-term effects of substance abuse likely contributed to his declining health, including lung and heart complications. In 2011, Stone was hospitalized for heart issues during a cocaine charge arraignment, highlighting the severity of his health problems.
By 2020, Stone’s physical condition had deteriorated significantly. According to the 2025 documentary Sly Lives! (The Burden of Black Genius), directed by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, Stone struggled with motor functions, was unable to speak in full sentences, and had limited physical capacity, though his mental clarity remained intact. Producer Joseph Patel explained that Stone’s frail health was why he did not participate in new interviews for the film, which sought to humanize the music legend rather than just celebrate his persona.
COPD, the lung disease that ultimately claimed Stone’s life, is a progressive condition that causes inflammation and blockage of the airways. It encompasses chronic bronchitis and emphysema and is commonly linked to long-term exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke, dust, and chemical fumes. Symptoms include breathlessness, chronic cough (sometimes with mucus), wheezing, chest tightness, and fatigue. Flare-ups can be severe, often requiring hospitalization, and the disease increases vulnerability to respiratory infections like pneumonia and COVID-19.
Stone’s family described his passing as peaceful and expressed gratitude for the support they received. They emphasized his extraordinary musical legacy, calling him “a monumental figure, a groundbreaking innovator, and a true pioneer who redefined the landscape of pop, funk, and rock music.” His influence remains undeniable, resonating across generations and inspiring countless artists worldwide.
Throughout his career, Stone and the Family Stone broke barriers not only musically but socially. Their integration of race and gender within the band challenged norms and helped shape the cultural fabric of the 1960s and ’70s. The band’s albums, including 1971’s There’s a Riot Goin’ On and 1973’s Fresh, showcased a darker, more introspective sound reflecting the times and internal tensions. The group dissolved in 1975, and Stone pursued a solo career with mixed success, releasing three solo albums in the 1970s.
Sly and the Family Stone’s impact was recognized with their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 and a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award in 2006. Stone made rare public appearances in later years, including a brief stage return at the 2006 Grammy Awards and participation in Questlove’s Oscar-winning documentary Summer of Soul.
In recent years, Stone completed a screenplay based on his memoir, which his family is eager to share with the world. His life story continues to captivate audiences, revealing the complexities of a man whose music brought joy and unity but whose personal battles were often hidden behind the spotlight.
Stone is survived by his three children and several grandchildren. His family’s statement closed with a message of peace and harmony to all touched by his life and music, honoring the legacy of a true icon whose rhythms will echo for years to come.
Understanding COPD is crucial, as it affects millions worldwide and remains underdiagnosed. In Canada alone, over two million people live with COPD, and globally it is the third-leading cause of death, responsible for over three million fatalities in 2019. While there is no cure, treatments such as inhaled bronchodilators, steroids, pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy, and lifestyle changes like quitting smoking can improve quality of life and slow disease progression.
Sly Stone’s story is a poignant reminder of the human struggles behind legendary artistry. His music broke barriers and brought people together, while his health battles underscore the importance of awareness and care for chronic diseases like COPD. As fans and the music community mourn his loss, they also celebrate a legacy that transformed the sound and spirit of a generation.
