Funk Pioneer Sly Stone Dies Aged 82, Questlove Pays Tribute

Sly Stone, the groundbreaking funk pioneer and leader of Sly and the Family Stone, passed away at age 82 after a prolonged battle with COPD and other health issues. Celebrated for his musical versatility and radical inclusivity, Stone's work fused funk, R&B, rock, and blues, producing iconic hits like "Everyday People" and albums such as Stand! and There's a Riot Goin On. Questlove, who directed the documentary Sly Lives! about Stone's life, paid a heartfelt tribute highlighting Stone's impact on music and culture, emphasizing his message of unity, social consciousness, and personal transformation. Despite battling addiction and retreating from the spotlight in later years, Stone's influence endures through hip-hop samples, documentaries, and his memoir. Questlove reflected on two haunting lines from Stone’s work: "We deserve everything we get in this life" and the call to "live together," underscoring the lasting relevance of Stone's music. Industry figures like Clive Davis and Chuck D also mourned Stone, recognizing his genius and profound contributions to music and social progress.