Today, the world received the sad news that a music visionary and pioneer has passed away at the age of 82. Stone revolutionized popular music by fusing funk, soul, gospel, psychedelic rock, and R&B, first gaining acclaim as the frontman for Sly and the Family Stone, formed in San Francisco in 1966.
The band produced timeless hits such as “Dance to the Music,” “Everyday People,” and “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin),” as well as albums like Stand! (1969) and There’s a Riot Goin’ On (1971), many of which were covered by modern artists and are still regulars in many setlists. They were pioneers of racial and gender integration in bands—melding Black and white musicians, men and women, both onstage and behind the scenes.
Stone endured severe substance abuse issues in the 1970s–80s, leading to erratic behavior, ghosted shows, and the eventual breakup of his band and largely withdrew from the public eye, but later achieved sobriety.
In honor of Sly, let’s watch the band’s memorable set at Woodstock 1969- one of the strongest sets of that weekend.
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