Music Pioneer Sly Stone Dies at 82

Music Pioneer Sly Stone Dies at 82

Sly Stone, the pioneering leader of the funk band bearing his name, Sly and the Family Stone, has died at 82 years old.

"After 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," his family said in a statement. "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."

Born Sylvester Stewart in Denton, Texas and raised in Vallejo, California, Stone formed a band with his brother Freddie and sisters Loretta and Rose at an early age. 

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

The group would score hits including "Dance to the Music" (1968), "Everyday People" (1968), "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)" (1969), "I Want to Take You Higher" (1969) "Family Affair" (1971) and "If You Want Me to Stay" (1973) and acclaimed albums including Stand! (1969), There's a Riot Goin' On (1971) and Fresh (1973).

Stone is survived by one son and two daughters. 

GoLocal's Richard McCaffrey captured this photo of Stone performing at the Palace Theater (now PPAC) in 1971.