On June 9, 2025, Sylvester Stewart, better known by the legendary name Sly Stone, passed away at the age of 82, leaving behind an immense and complex musical legacy. Visionary, revolutionary, provocative, Sly Stone brilliantly fused soul, funk, psychedelic rock, and gospel, paving the way for generations of artists, from Prince to Kendrick Lamar.
Born on March 15, 1943, in Denton, Texas, Sylvester Stewart grew up in Vallejo, near San Francisco, in a deeply religious family where gospel music was his first influence. A precocious prodigy, he quickly mastered several instruments: piano, guitar, bass, and drums, distinguishing himself in his teens with the Viscaynes, a multiracial doo-wop group, foreshadowing the musical utopia he would embody with Sly and the Family Stone.
A Musical Innovator with Timeless Messages
In 1966, Sly Stone founded Sly and the Family Stone, the first major group mixing men and women, whites and blacks. In a few years, they imposed a bold vision of music and the world. With iconic tracks such as "Everyday People," a true anthem to diversity, and "Dance to the Music," Sly Stone achieved worldwide fame, culminating in their historic performance at the Woodstock festival in 1969.
The album Stand! (1969), one of the masterpieces of funk and psychedelic rock, established the group as a cultural icon. Sly Stone expressed a keen social awareness, notably in "Don’t Call Me Nigger, Whitey," forcefully denouncing racial prejudices. Miles Davis himself admitted to being deeply influenced by the group’s innovative energy.
A Foundational Trilogy of Modern Funk
But it was with There’s a Riot Goin’ On (1971) that Sly Stone reached absolute genius. The album, dark and experimental, reflects the complexity of 1970s America. Its title directly responds to Marvin Gaye’s "What’s Going On?", symbolizing the emergence of a more militant and disillusioned black consciousness. "Family Affair," the album’s flagship track, remains a timeless masterpiece, perfectly capturing the ambivalence of human relationships.
The next record, Fresh (1973), further confirms Sly Stone‘s immense talent, combining musical sophistication and raw groove. The global hit "If You Want Me to Stay" marks the artistic peak of the musician and remains one of the essential standards of funk.
Descent into Hell and Media Isolation
Alas, the genius gradually deteriorated in the excesses of fame. The excessive consumption of drugs, particularly cocaine, deeply destabilized the group, leading to internal tensions and the gradual breakup of the Family Stone from the mid-1970s. Despite some attempts to return to the stage, Sly Stone fell into a chaotic existence, gradually losing control of his work, his fortune, and ultimately himself.
In the 2000s, his personal decline was confirmed. Stripped of his royalties and living on social assistance, Sly Stone stayed in shabby hotels, even in a camper. His story then became a poignant illustration of the setbacks of the music industry and the ravages of drug addiction.
An Indelible Musical Legacy and Major Influence
Yet, his influence remains immense. Sly Stone profoundly inspired popular music, from funk to hip-hop, to alternative rock. Artists such as Prince, George Clinton, and Michael Jackson openly acknowledge their debt to him. Moreover, Michael Jackson bought his publishing rights. Many modern producers and musicians draw from his catalog. Thus, they create new sounds and reinforce the timeless importance of his discography.
The Stone family announced that, despite his difficult years, Sly had recently completed a screenplay adapted from his autobiography published in 2024, proof of an intact desire to tell his story to the end. The public will soon be able to discover this posthumous work, the ultimate testimony of a creative spirit that remained sharp until his last moments.
The passing of Sly Stone is a cruel reminder that, even in the United States, the brightest dreams can sink into darkness. Yet, the sounds, rhythms, and visionary audacity of his music will resonate for a long time. They remind us of a time when anything seemed possible and a man dreaming of a cosmopolitan world. Beyond skin colors, there remains only one: that of our humanity.