Funk-rock icon Sly Stone, known for his influential band Sly and the Family Stone, passed away on June 9, 2025, at the age of 82, after struggling with COPD and other health complications. Stone, born Sylvester Stewart, rose to fame in the 1960s and 70s, blending gospel, psychedelia, and funk.Funk-rock icon Sly Stone, known for his influential band Sly and the Family Stone, passed away on June 9, 2025, at the age of 82, after struggling with COPD and other health complications. Stone, born Sylvester Stewart, rose to fame in the 1960s and 70s, blending gospel, psychedelia, and funk.