Throwback: R.I.P. Sly Stone!

I was watching 20/20 on Hulu when a dear friend texted me with a Variety article with a headline that read “Sly Slone, Funk-Rock Pioneer, Who Led the Family Stone, Dies at 82.”

Sly Stone’s genre-defying take on soul features elements of gospel, funk, rock and more — but perhaps more important, his backing band featured one of the first mixed race, mixed gender bands of their day. The songs were also fucking great: They mixed humor, political and social commentary and more in a way that inspired countless others. The earliest work was also full of ebullient, defiant joy. If you didn’t smile and start grooving to “Everyday People” or “Dance to The Music,” you probably don’t have a heart or a soul.

I understand that Stone was in a poor health recently; in fact, it seemed to be hinted at in the recently released SLY LIVES: The Burden of Black Genius. But his loss is still a massive loss across music and pop culture.

Long live, Sly Stone!