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Legendary funk pioneer Sly Stone dies at the age of 82!
Learn more about Sly Stone, the influence of funk music and the iconic song "Everyday People" in US music history.
Legendary funk pioneer Sly Stone dies at the age of 82!
The legendary US musician Sly Stone, born Sylvester Stewart, has died. He became known as the head of the influential band Sly & the Family Stone, which had a decisive influence on funk music in the 60s and 70s. His musical contributions and innovative sounds influenced generations of musicians and fans.
Sly & the Family Stone, one of the first major integrated bands in rock history, mixed various musical elements such as psychedelic rock, soul, gospel and jazz. The band was known for its progressive approach and single-sex, multicultural line-up, which contributed to diversity in the music scene. The band's best-known songs include "Everyday People", "Thank You (Falletinme Be Mice Elf Again)" and "Family Affair".
“Everyday People”: A milestone in music history
One of Sly & the Family Stone's biggest hits is the 1968 song "Everyday People", written by Sly Stone. It became the band's first single to top both the soul charts and the U.S. charts. Topped the Billboard Hot 100. The song reached No. 1 on the Hot 100 for a total of four weeks, from February 9 to March 8, 1969, and was ranked the fifth best song of 1969 by Billboard. The song addresses peace and equality between different races and social groups, which was very important at the time. The catchy refrain emphasizing the unity of all people, “I am everyday people,” became a powerful motto for many.
“Everyday People” was featured on the album “Stand!” published, which sold over three million copies. The band's bassist, Larry Graham, introduced the now iconic "slap bass technique" in this piece, which later had an influence on many funk and other music genres. Numerous artists, including Aretha Franklin, Joan Jett and Pearl Jam, have covered the song, and it was even used by hip-hop group Arrested Development as the basis for their hit "People Everyday" (1992), which became a massive success.
A lasting legacy
The cultural significance of "Everyday People" is underscored by the fact that Rolling Stone ranked the song as No. 145 in 2004 and No. 109 in its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2021. Additionally, a cover version by Cher and Future for Gap in 2017, which went viral in 2025, gained additional notoriety. Sly Stone's musical legacy leaves an indelible mark on the history of music.
The loss of Sly Stone is a significant moment not only for funk music, but for the entire music world. His influence will continue to be felt in the music of today, and his songs remain an expression of equality and peace that are still relevant today.