Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Fellow musicians are reacting to the death of Sly Stone, the legendary Sly and the Family Stone frontman who died on Monday, June 9 at the age of 82.
Among those posting tributes was Ahmir Thompson, better known as Questlove, the Roots drummer and Tonight Show band leader who has largely been the man behind a resurgence of interest in the groundbreaking musician.
🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬
The 2023 book Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin): A Memoir, co-written with Stone and Ben Greenman, was published on Questlove’s imprint, AUWA Books.
The Roots drummer also directed the documentary Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius), which was released earlier this year and is now available to stream on Hulu.
Related: Legendary Rocker Dies At 82
“Sly Stone, born Sylvester Stewart, left this earth today, but the changes he sparked while here will echo forever. From the moment his music reached me in the early 1970s, it became a part of my soul,” Questlove posted on Instagram.
“Sly was a giant — not just for his groundbreaking work with the Family Stone, but for the radical inclusivity and deep human truths he poured into every note. His songs weren’t just about fighting injustice; they were about transforming the self to transform the world. He dared to be simple in the most complex ways — using childlike joy, wordless cries, and nursery rhyme cadences to express adult truths. His work looked straight at the brightest and darkest parts of life and demanded we do the same,” he added.
Fans also commented on Stone’s passing and Questlove’s remarks.
“I’m so very glad you were able to make the documentary while he was still here, I hope he understood the profound impact he had and the joy he brought. Love and condolences to his loved ones,” one fan added.
“Thank you for sharing his genius with a new generation. Sly lives!! 🖤,” posted the Okay Player account.
“Sly was a true generational talent we will always remember and honor ❤️,” added the Onyx Collective account.
View this post on Instagram