The legendary Sly Stone, a pivotal figure in the music world and the mastermind behind Sly and the Family Stone, passed away on Monday, June 9, at the age of 82. His departure has left a profound void in the hearts of fans and fellow musicians alike, as the music community pays its respects to this groundbreaking funk pioneer. Sly Stone’s innovative contributions to the funk genre and his unique ability to fuse various musical styles have made him a lasting icon. His work not only entertained but also challenged societal norms, making his legacy all the more significant in today’s world.
Questlove, the renowned drummer and co-founder of The Roots, took to Instagram to express his heartfelt tribute in light of Stone’s passing. He directed the compelling documentary Sly Lives (aka The Burden of Black Genius), which showcases the profound impact Sly had on music and culture. In his post, Questlove shared insights that highlighted the essence of Sly’s artistry and the indelible mark he left on the music landscape. His tribute reflects the deep connection many feel to Sly’s music, which transcended mere entertainment to touch the very core of human experience.
“Sly Stone, born Sylvester Stewart, departed from this world today, yet the transformative changes he sparked during his lifetime will continue to resonate through generations,” Questlove stated. He reminisced about how Sly’s music became intertwined with his soul since the early 1970s. Sly was not just a musician; he was a cultural icon whose work with The Family Stone embodied radical inclusivity and profound human truths. Questlove emphasized that Sly’s songs transcended mere expressions of social justice; they encouraged a transformation of the self to inspire global change. His ability to blend childlike joy with complex adult themes made his music resonate deeply, urging listeners to confront both the light and dark aspects of existence.
As Questlove reflected on Sly’s enduring legacy, he highlighted two poignant lines from Sly’s work that now resonate with even more urgency: “We deserve everything we get in this life” from the album Sly Lives! and “We got to live together” from the iconic 1968 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit “Everyday People.” He noted that while these lines once felt idealistic, they now come across as a powerful command. Questlove concluded his tribute by acknowledging that Sly’s music will likely take on even greater significance in contemporary society. “Thank you, Sly. You will forever live on,” he expressed, capturing the sentiment of countless fans and artists who admired Stone’s genius.
Chuck D of Public Enemy also took a moment to honor Sly by thanking Questlove for ensuring that his legacy continues to inspire in this century. On the social media platform X, he shared an illustration depicting both Sly and Questlove, emphasizing the importance of keeping the spirit of Sly’s music alive. Additionally, he posted more artwork celebrating the psychedelic soul group, writing, “………and The Family Stone Rest In Beats SLY.” This tribute reflects the unity and respect that fellow artists hold for the contributions that Sly made to music and culture.
Clive Davis, the legendary record executive who had the privilege of working with Sly and the Family Stone when they signed with CBS Records in 1967, expressed his sorrow in a statement to Billboard. He described Sly as truly one of a kind and shared his unique experience of witnessing Sly during his most creative period, when his artistic genius was flourishing vibrantly. Davis acknowledged that Sly’s artistry influenced a multitude of significant creative talents throughout the industry. “He will be forever missed,” Davis stated, underlining the significant void left in the music community.
Paul Stanley, the frontman of KISS, fondly recalled his memories of seeing Sly and the Family Stone make their debut at the Fillmore East in New York City, where they opened for Jimi Hendrix. He described their performance as a freight train of bombastic, joyous soul that would soon dominate the charts and redefine the sound of R&B for many artists to follow. His heartfelt message on X, “Rest In Soul!” encapsulates the admiration many felt for Sly’s ability to energize and inspire through his music, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of fans worldwide.
Actress and singer Holly Robinson Peete also celebrated Sly’s pioneering contributions to music and culture. She shared a personal reflection on social media, stating, “You didn’t just make music—you shifted the culture.” Growing up in Philadelphia, she recalled how her brother played Sly’s music, and how she would imagine herself as Cynthia, playing along with her imaginary horn. “We lived your music. You gave us the groove & the message. Thank you, genius,” she expressed on X, highlighting the profound impact Sly’s work had on her life and the lives of many others, particularly in the context of cultural shifts influenced by his artistry.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame paid tribute to Sly and the Family Stone with an in memoriam thread on X, showcasing a clip of Sly’s acceptance speech during a rare public appearance when he and his band were inducted in 1993. The Rock Hall celebrated Sly and the Family Stone for paving the way for Black popular music to flourish on its own terms and for consistently extending the boundaries of pop and R&B with each new track. They specifically praised the 1969 Hot 100 No. 1 hit “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin),” a double A-side single accompanied by “Everybody Is a Star,” highlighting its role in creating the sonic blueprint for the funk and disco genres that emerged afterward. This tribute reflects the significance of Sly’s contributions to music history and his enduring influence on future artists.
