Sylvester Stewart was described as a “monumental determine” within the music business.

Frontman Sly Stone has handed away on the age of 82, following a collection of well being problems, his household introduced as we speak. He was reportedly surrounded by family members on the time of his demise.

The legendary musician, born Sylvester Stewart, was greatest often known as the frontman of Sly and the Household Stone, the influential band that rose to prominence within the Nineteen Sixties. Their profession noticed main chart success, and in 1993—years after the group disbanded—they had been inducted into the Rock & Roll Corridor of Fame.

His passing, confirmed as we speak, got here after a “extended battle” with persistent obstructive pulmonary illness (COPD) together with different medical points. Following the announcement, tributes have poured in honoring Sly’s legacy.

In an announcement shared with the Mirror, his household stated: “It’s with profound disappointment that we announce the passing of our beloved dad, Sly Stone of Sly and the Household Stone. After a protracted battle with COPD and different underlying well being points, Sly handed away peacefully, surrounded by his three kids, his closest pal, and his prolonged household.”

Additionally they expressed consolation within the lasting affect of his work: “Whereas we mourn his absence, we take solace in understanding that his extraordinary musical legacy will proceed to resonate and encourage for generations to return.”

His household continued: “Sly was a monumental determine, a groundbreaking innovator, and a real pioneer who redefined the panorama of pop, funk, and rock music. His iconic songs have left an indelible mark on the world, and his affect stays plain. In a testomony to his enduring inventive spirit, Sly lately accomplished the screenplay for his life story, a challenge we’re desirous to share with the world sooner or later, which follows a memoir printed in 2024.”

They concluded the assertion by saying: “We lengthen our deepest gratitude for the outpouring of affection and prayers throughout this tough time. We want peace and concord to all who had been touched by Sly’s life and his iconic music. Thanks from the underside of our hearts on your unwavering help.”

Sly rose to fame as a founding member of Sly and the Household Stone, which shaped in 1966 and included his siblings Freddie Stone and Rose Stone, together with bandmates akin to Cynthia Robinson, Greg Errico, Jerry Martini, and Larry Graham.

The band grew to become recognized for hits like On a regular basis Individuals, which topped the Billboard Scorching 100 in 1968, in addition to different classics akin to Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin), Household Affair, and Dance to the Music, the latter of which reached quantity 7 on the UK Singles Chart.

Sly was lively within the group till its disbandment in 1975, the identical yr he launched his first solo album Excessive on You. His memoir, Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin), was printed in 2023.

Because the announcement of his demise, tributes have flooded social media. One fan wrote on X: “RIP to Sly Stone. Innovator, funk aficionado, and frontman of Sly & The Household Stone.” One other added: “Relaxation in Peace to the legendary, trailblazing funk icon, Sly Stone!”

An extra tribute learn: “We’re deeply saddened to listen to of the passing of the legendary musical genius, Sly Stone. His affect on music and tradition has been immeasurable, and his legacy will resonate for generations. You’ll be dearly missed.”