Sly Stone, the legendary musician who helped shape funk music with his band Sly and the Family Stone, has passed away at 82. His family confirmed the news, marking the end of an era for a genre-defining artist whose influence stretched far beyond the 1970s.

Editor’s Note: Sly Stone wasn’t just a musician—he was a cultural force. His fusion of funk, soul, and rock broke barriers and inspired generations, from Prince to hip-hop artists. His death is a reminder of how his sound reshaped music, and why his legacy will keep grooving on.