Sly Stone, legendary funk musician, dead at 82

The band, Sly and the Family Stone made music in the 1960s and 70s

Last updated: June 10, 2025 | 16:34

Nishitha Rachel, Assistant Social Media Editor

1 MIN READ

Sly Stone

AFP

Dubai: Sly Stone, the frontman of funk-rock band Sly and the Family Stone dies aged 82.

The musician’s family released a statement announcing the news. “After a prolonged battle with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and other underlying health issues, Sly passed away peacefully, surrounded by his three children, his closest friend and his extended family,” the statement read.

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“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’s family announced that he had recently completed the screenplay for his life story.

Recently, Sly and the Family Stone announced a new live album, The First Family: Live at the Winchester Cathedral 1967, which will capture their earliest concert recording. It is set to release on July 18.

Nishitha RachelAssistant Social Media Editor

Nishitha serves as the Assistant Social Media Editor at Gulf News, where she skilfully orchestrates the publication's online presence. With a dedicated approach to engaging readers, she expertly manages all social media platforms and is a direct line for reader queries. Nishitha's journey in journalism began with a flourish in the entertainment beat, a world she continues to explore with enthusiasm. Her love for Korean culture shines through her reporting on UAE-based events, bringing the best of both worlds to her audience. A highlight of her career, and certainly a dream come true for any K-Pop enthusiast, was interviewing acclaimed Korean singers, including Chen from the globally renowned boy group, EXO.

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