Los Angeles, June 10(HS): Sly Stone, born Sylvester Stewart, leader of 'Sly and the Family Stone', battled COPD and health issues until his death surrounded by family. His band gained prominence in the late 1960s and early 1970s, notably performing at Woodstock in 1969, where he presented a blend of funk and hippie musical influences. His contributions were instrumental in popularizing an African-centered music style characterized by funk and syncopated rhythms.

Born in 1943 in Texas to a Pentecostal family, Stone's musical journey began with a gospel group called the Stewart Four, formed with his siblings in 1952. In 1966, he formed Sly and the Family Stone, achieving immediate success with Dance to the Music the following year. His 1969 album 'Stand' sold over three million copies. Post-1983 arrests for drug-related offenses led to a decline in his public life. He made a rare appearance at Coachella in 2010. His last album, 'I'm Back', came out after winning a $5 million lawsuit in 2015. A family statement honored him as a groundbreaking innovator in music, and in a 2023 interview, he expressed pride in inspiring others.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar