Sly Stone, the pioneering funk musician whose work sparked the soul explosion of the 1960s, has died at the age of 82, his family announced to US media on Monday.
His family said Stone, whose real name was Sylvester Stewart, died after a long battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other underlying health issues.
“Sly passed away peacefully, surrounded by his three children, his closest friend and his extended family,” the 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.”
Stone, whose real name is Sylvester Stewart, delivered a memorable performance with his band at the Woodstock festival in August 1969.
