Today, the music world mourns the loss of Sly Stone, the iconic leader of Sly and the Family Stone, who passed away at the age of 82. Stone's death was attributed to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and various other health complications. His profound impact on the music industry and culture at large will be remembered for generations to come.
Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, renowned drummer of The Roots and director of the documentary Sly Lives! (also known as The Burden of Black Genius), shared a moving tribute to the late musician on Instagram. Questlove expressed, “Sly was a giant — not just for his groundbreaking work with the Family Stone, but for the radical inclusivity and deep human truths he poured into every note.” He poignantly highlighted how Sly’s music resonated with him personally, stating, “From the moment his music reached me in the early 1970s, it became a part of my soul.”
Sly Stone was not only a pioneer in the world of funk, R&B, and soul but also a powerful voice addressing social issues such as political unrest and discrimination through his music. His vibrant performances and innovative sound combined elements of Motown arrangements, captivating audiences worldwide. Just last week, High Moon Records announced the release of The First Family: Live at the Winchester Cathedral 1967, a live album that captures Sly and the Family Stone’s earliest known concert recording, further cementing their influence in music history.
Questlove’s documentary, Sly Lives!, premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and was created with the collaboration of Sly Stone and his family. The film features appearances from notable artists such as D’Angelo, Chaka Khan, George Clinton, and André 3000 of Outkast, showcasing the far-reaching impact of Sly’s musical genius. Recently, the documentary became available for streaming on Hulu, allowing a new generation to experience Sly's transformative artistry.
In his tribute, Questlove reflected on the lasting changes Sly Stone sparked during his lifetime, saying, “The changes he sparked while here will echo forever.” He acknowledged Sly's struggles, including battles with addiction and a period of absence from the public eye, yet emphasized that Sly's legacy endures. Questlove noted how Sly’s work continues to inspire through hip-hop samples, documentaries, and his memoirs, capturing the raw beauty of his original music.
As we honor Sly Stone's memory, Questlove highlighted two poignant lines from the documentary: “We deserve everything we get in this life,” which serves as both a warning and a manifestation of accountability, and the timeless refrain from “Everyday People”: “We got to live together!” This message, once idealistic, now resonates as a powerful command in today’s world.
In conclusion, Sly Stone's music will undoubtedly continue to speak to audiences more profoundly than ever. As Questlove poignantly stated, “Thank you, Sly. You will forever live.” Our thoughts and love go out to Sly's family, loved ones, and everyone whose life he touched with his remarkable artistry.
