History of Sly Stone in Timeline
Sly Stone, born Sylvester Stewart, is a highly influential American musician, songwriter, and record producer. He is best known as the frontman of Sly and the Family Stone, a band that significantly shaped the funk genre by blending soul, rock, psychedelia, and gospel music in the 1960s and 1970s. Often credited with perfecting funk after James Brown's initial invention, Stone created politically charged, euphoric records that influenced diverse artists. He is also recognized as the founder of the "progressive soul" movement due to his innovative musical approach.
March 15, 1943: Sylvester Stewart's Birth
On March 15, 1943, Sylvester Stewart, later known as Sly Stone, was born. He would become famous as a musician, songwriter, and record producer, and the frontman for Sly and the Family Stone.
August 1956: Stewart Four release single
In August 1956, Sylvester Stewart and his siblings, as "the Stewart Four", recorded and released a 78 rpm single, "On the Battlefield" b/w "Walking in Jesus' Name" locally.
1962: Performs at Twist Party concert
In 1962, Sly Stone, while working at KSOL, played keyboard for major performers including Chubby Checker at the Twist Party concert held at the Cow Palace in San Francisco.
1963: Performs at Twist Party concert
In 1963, Sly Stone, while working at KSOL, played keyboard for major performers including Chubby Checker at the Twist Party concert held at the Cow Palace in San Francisco.
1966: Forms Sly and the Family Stone
In 1966, Sly Stone and his brother Freddie combined their bands to establish Sly and the Family Stone, a racially diverse and mixed-gender group.
1967: Release of Debut Album
In 1967, Sly & The Family Stone released their debut album, "A Whole New Thing".
1967: Sly and Freddie fuse their bands together
In 1967, Sly Stone, performing with Sly and The Stoners, and his brother Freddie, working with Freddie and the Stone Souls, decided to combine their bands together adding Larry Graham. This multiracial band made a strong impression in the Bay Area.
1968: Rose Stone joins the band
In 1968, Rose Stone joined the band Sly and the Family Stone.
1968: First Hit Single with 'Dance to the Music'
In 1968, Sly & The Family Stone had their first hit single with "Dance to the Music", which was later included on an album of the same name, but their third album, Life, had low sales.
1968: Hits 'Dance to the Music' and 'Everyday People'
In 1968, Sly and The Family Stone scored hits with "Dance to the Music" and "Everyday People".
December 1969: Release of 'Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)'/'Everybody Is a Star'
In December 1969, Sly and the Family Stone released the single "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)"/"Everybody Is a Star", which was one of the first recordings to employ the heavy, funky beats that would be featured in the funk music of the following decade. It showcased bass player Larry Graham's innovative percussive playing technique of bass "slapping".
1969: Success of album 'Stand!' and Woodstock appearance
In 1969, Sly & The Family Stone's fourth album, Stand!, became a runaway success, selling over three million copies and spawning a number one hit single, "Everyday People". They released two more top five singles, "Hot Fun in the Summertime" and "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)"/"Everybody Is a Star", and appeared at Woodstock. They also performed at the Summer of Soul concerts in Harlem.
1969: Hits 'Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)' and 'I Want to Take You Higher'
In 1969, Sly and The Family Stone had hits with "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)" and "I Want to Take You Higher".
1970: Epic releases 'Greatest Hits'
In November 1970, with no new material forthcoming from Sly Stone, Epic released "Greatest Hits".
1970: "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)" tops Billboard Hot 100
In early 1970, "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)" hit the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at No. 5 on the R&B chart, selling over a million copies.
1970: Live bookings decline
Since 1970, live bookings for Sly & the Family Stone had steadily dropped because promoters were afraid that Stone or one of the band members might miss the gig, refuse to play, or pass out from drug use. In 1970, 26 of 80 concerts were cancelled, and numerous others started late.
1971: Slowing of Recording
By 1971, as Sly Stone and his bandmates became heavy users of illegal drugs, recording slowed significantly.
1971: Errico leaves the band
In 1971, Greg Errico withdrew from Sly and the Family Stone and was eventually replaced with Andy Newmark.
1971: Hit 'Family Affair' and album 'There's a Riot Goin' On'
In 1971, Sly and The Family Stone had a hit with "Family Affair" and released the acclaimed album "There's a Riot Goin' On".
1972: Graham Fired From The Band
In early 1972, Larry Graham was fired from Sly and the Family Stone and replaced with Rustee Allen.
1973: Bob Marley opens for Sly and The Family Stone
In 1973, Bob Marley and The Wailers opened on tour for Sly and The Family Stone, marking Marley's first performances in the U.S.
1973: Girlfriend Deborah King marries Carlos Santana
In 1973, Sly Stone's girlfriend Deborah King marries Carlos Santana.
1973: Hit 'If You Want Me to Stay' and album 'Fresh'
In 1973, Sly and The Family Stone had a hit with "If You Want Me to Stay" and released the acclaimed album "Fresh".
1973: Release of album Fresh
In 1973, Sly and the Family Stone released the album, Fresh, which featured less of the band and more of Sly Stone.
1973: Birth of Sylvester Jr.
In late 1973, Sly Stone's son, Sylvester Jr., was born to Kathy Silva.
June 5, 1974: Marriage to Kathy Silva
On June 5, 1974, Sly Stone married model-actress Kathy Silva during a sold-out performance at Madison Square Garden. The wedding included outfits designed by Halston and plans for a laser-light show and an angel dropping gold glitter. However, due to concerns from the ASPCA and the venue, the release of doves and the angel stunt were cancelled because of a lawsuit threat and security bond requirements.
1974: Release of album Small Talk
In 1974, Sly and the Family Stone released the album, Small Talk, which featured even less of the band and more of Sly Stone.
January 1975: Band dissolved after Radio City engagement
In January 1975, Sly and the Family Stone booked themselves at Radio City Music Hall in New York, but the music hall was only one-eighth occupied, and Stone and company had to scrape together money to return home. Following the Radio City engagement, the band was dissolved.
1975: Release of High on You album
In 1975, Sly Stone released "High on You" as a solo artist album.
1976: Birth of Sylvyette
Around 1976, Sly Stone's first daughter, Sylvyette (now known as Phunne), was born. Her mother was Stone's band member, Cynthia Robinson.
1976: Rose Stone releases solo album
In 1976, Rose Stone released a Motown-style solo album under the name Rose Banks after being pulled from the band by her husband, Bubba Banks.
1976: Separation from Kathy Silva
In 1976, Sly Stone and Kathy Silva separated after their son was mauled by Stone's dog. Silva cited drugs and weirdness as reasons for leaving, despite their attempts to reconcile.
1976: Release of 'Heard Ya Missed Me, Well I'm Back'
In 1976, Sly Stone assembled a new Family Stone and released "Heard Ya Missed Me, Well I'm Back".
1979: Freddie Stone collaborates with Sly and becomes pastor
In 1979, Freddie Stone collaborated with his brother Sly for the last time on Back on the Right Track before retiring from the music industry and becoming the pastor of the Evangelist Temple Fellowship Center in Vallejo, California.
1979: Release of 'Back on the Right Track'
In 1979, Sly & The Family Stone released "Back on the Right Track".
1981: Collaboration with Funkadelic
In 1981, Sly Stone collaborated with Funkadelic on "The Electric Spanking of War Babies".
1982: Birth of Novena Carmel
Around 1982, Sly Stone's second daughter, Novena Carmel, was born. She is a singer, performer, booking agent, and co-host for KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic.
1982: Release of 'Ain't But the One Way'
In 1982, Sly & The Family Stone released "Ain't But the One Way", which began as a collaborative album with George Clinton, but was scrapped and later completed by producer Stewart Levine for release.
June 1983: Arrest for Cocaine Possession
In June 1983, Sly Stone was arrested and charged with cocaine possession in Fort Myers, Florida, leading to probation and subsequent jail time for parole violation.
1984: Tour with Bobby Womack
In the summer of 1984, Sly Stone did a short tour with Bobby Womack.
1986: Releases songs from movie soundtracks
In 1986, Sly Stone released a single, "Eek-ah-Bo Static Automatic", from the Soul Man soundtrack, and the song "I'm the Burglar" from the Burglar soundtrack.
1986: Featured on Jesse Johnson's "Crazay"
In 1986, Sly Stone was featured on a track from Jesse Johnson's album Shockadelica called "Crazay".
1987: Last live performance until 2006
1987 was Sly Stone's last live performance until the 2006 Grammy Awards.
1987: Last Live Musical Performance Before 2006 Grammys
In 1987, Sly Stone gave his last live musical performance until the 2006 Grammy Awards.
1988: Stone writes/produces a collection of unreleased recordings
From 1988 to 1989, Sly Stone wrote and produced a collection of unreleased recordings in his home studio in New Jersey.
1989: Start of Period Without Royalty Payments
In 1989, Sly Stone claims he did not receive any royalties from this year until 2009.
1989: Co-writes 'Just Like A Teeter-Totter'
In 1989, Sly Stone co-wrote and co-produced "Just Like A Teeter-Totter", which appeared on a Bar-Kays album.
1991: Appears on Cover of 'Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)'
In 1991, Sly Stone appeared on a cover of "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)" performed by the Japanese band 13CATS.
1992: Sly and the Family Stone on Red Hot + Dance Compilation
In 1992, Sly and the Family Stone contributed "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) (Todds CD Mix)" to the Red Hot Organization's dance compilation album, Red Hot + Dance, to raise AIDS awareness and funds for AIDS charities.
1993: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction
In 1993, Sly Stone made a rare public appearance at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony where Sly and the Family Stone were inducted. This was his last major public appearance until 2006. In 2003, the other six members of the original Family Stone entered the studio to record a new album. Sly Stone was invited to participate, but declined.
1993: Rented Beverly Hills mansion
In 1993, Sly Stone rented a Beverly Hills mansion from Chase Mellon III, which he was later accused of trashing in 1995.
1993: Shares vocals with Bobby Womack
In 1993, Sly Stone shared lead vocals with Bobby Womack on "When the Weekend Comes" from Womack's album "I Still Love You".
1993: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 1993, Sly Stone was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Sly and the Family Stone.
1995: Lawsuit from ex-landlord
In 1995, Sly Stone was accused by his ex-landlord, Chase Mellon III, of trashing a Beverly Hills mansion he rented in 1993. Mellon claimed to have found gold paint smeared in bathrooms, blackened marble floors, and broken windows. Mellon also said that Stone had drug problems. According to his ex-wife, Silva, Sly never grew out of drugs, lost his backbone, and destroyed his future.
1997: Son Discusses Sly Stone's Unreleased Material
In 1997, Sylvester Stewart Jr., Sly Stone's son, told People Magazine that his father had composed an album's worth of material, including a tribute to Miles Davis called "Miles and Miles".
2003: Declined participation in a new album
In 2003, the other six members of the original Family Stone entered the studio to record a new album. Sly Stone was invited to participate, but declined.
July 12, 2005: Release of Tribute Album by Starbucks
On July 12, 2005, Starbucks' Hear Music label released "Different Strokes by Different Folks", a Sly and the Family Stone tribute album.
August 15, 2005: Sly Stone Attends Sister's Performance
On August 15, 2005, Sly Stone drove his younger sister, Vet Stone, to her performance with her Sly & the Family Stone tribute band, the Phunk Phamily Affair, at Los Angeles' Knitting Factory. Stone wore a helmet throughout the show. A film crew captured this rare sighting for the documentary "On the Sly: In Search of the Family Stone." Sly Stone was also producing and writing material for the band's new album and renamed the group "Family Stone."
January 2006: Release of Epic Records Version of Tribute Album
In January 2006, Epic Records released their version of the Sly and the Family Stone tribute album, "Different Strokes by Different Folks", which included two additional covers.
February 7, 2006: Release of Tribute Album by Epic Records
On February 7, 2006, Epic Records released "Different Strokes by Different Folks", a Sly and the Family Stone tribute album. This version included two additional covers: "Don't Call Me Nigger, Whitey" and "Thank You (Falletinme Be Mice Elf Agin)".
February 8, 2006: Grammy Awards Tribute and Performance
On February 8, 2006, Sly Stone gave his first live musical performance since 1987 at the Grammy Awards during a tribute to Sly and the Family Stone. He joined Steven Tyler, John Legend, Van Hunt, Nile Rodgers, and Robert Randolph on "I Want To Take You Higher". He wore a silver lamé suit, sunglasses, and a "Sly" belt buckle. He had a cast on his right hand from a motorcycle accident, and left abruptly after singing a verse.
2006: Beginning of "Small Talk About Sly" Documentary
In 2006, Greg Zola began making a documentary about Sly Stone, titled "Small Talk About Sly".
2006: Major Public Appearance
In 2006, Sly Stone made a major public appearance.
2006: Performs at the Grammy Awards
In 2006, Sly Stone participated in a Sly and the Family Stone tribute at the Grammy Awards, marking his first live performance since 1987.
January 14, 2007: Guest Appearance with The New Family Stone
On Sunday, January 14, 2007, Sly Stone made a short guest appearance at a show of The New Family Stone band he supported at the House of Blues.
April 1, 2007: Appearance with the Family Stone
On April 1, 2007, Sly Stone appeared with the Family Stone at the Flamingo Las Vegas Showroom, following George Wallace's standup act.
July 7, 2007: Appearance at San Jose Summerfest
On July 7, 2007, Sly Stone made a short appearance with the Family Stone at the San Jose Summerfest, singing "Sing a Simple Song" and "If You Want Me to Stay." He left the stage before the end of "Higher" due to the band's late start, which some attributed to Sly Stone while others blamed the promoter.
July 13, 2007: Montreux Jazz Festival Performance
On July 13, 2007, Sly Stone performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival, where over half the audience walked out in disgust before his stage exit.
October 17, 2008: Performance in Santa Rosa, California
On October 17, 2008, Sly Stone played a 22-minute set with the Family Stone at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa, California. He left the stage, saying he needed to take a bathroom break but did not return.
May 25, 2009: Interview with KCRW-FM
On Memorial Day, May 25, 2009, Sly Stone gave an hour-long interview with KCRW-FM, a Los Angeles NPR affiliate, to discuss his life and career.
August 18, 2009: Homelessness Claims
On August 18, 2009, The Guardian reported that the forthcoming documentary "Coming Back for More" by Dutch director Willem Alkema, claimed Sly Stone was homeless and living off welfare while staying in cheap hotels and a camper van. The film alleges that Sly Stone's former manager, Jerry Goldstein, cut off his access to royalty payments following a dispute over a 'debt agreement', forcing Stone to depend on welfare payments.
September 7, 2009: Appearance at African Festival of the Arts
On Labor Day, September 7, 2009, Sly Stone appeared at the 20th annual African Festival of the Arts in Chicago, Illinois. He performed a 15-minute set during George Clinton's show, singing his popular hits with Clinton's band. He left immediately after the performance.
December 6, 2009: Signed Recording Contract with Cleopatra Records
On December 6, 2009, Sly Stone signed a new recording contract with Cleopatra Records based in LA.
2009: End of Period Without Royalty Payments
In 2009, Sly Stone claims he did receive any royalties before January 2010 when a lawsuit was filed against Jerry Goldstein. Sly Stone testified that he had not been paid any royalties between 1989 and 2009.
2009: Interview with LA Weekly
In a 2009 interview with LA Weekly's Randall Roberts, Sly Stone recounted his experiences with Charles Manson at Terry Melcher's home in the late 1960s. He also recalled meeting Doris Day and singing her song "Whatever Will Be, Will Be" with her, which led to rumors of a romantic involvement.
January 2010: Lawsuit Against Jerry Goldstein
In January 2010, Sly Stone filed a $50 million lawsuit against Jerry Goldstein, accusing him of cheating him out of royalty payments and fraudulently convincing him to give up rights to his songs and the Sly and the Family Stone trademark. Sly Stone testified that he had not been paid any royalties between 1989 and 2009. Jerry Goldstein filed a countersuit for slander following a rant by Sly Stone at the Coachella Festival.
August 16, 2011: Release of 'I'm Back! Family & Friends' Album
On August 16, 2011, Sly Stone released "I'm Back! Family & Friends", his first album since 1982. The album features re-recorded versions of Sly & the Family Stone hits with guest appearances. Some of the featured artist are Jeff Beck, Ray Manzarek, Bootsy Collins, Ann Wilson, Carmine Appice and Johnny Winter, as well as three previously unreleased songs.
September 25, 2011: Report of Homelessness
On September 25, 2011, Willem Alkema wrote in the New York Post that Sly Stone was homeless and living out of a white camper-van in Los Angeles. A retired couple ensured he ate once a day, and Sly Stone showered at their house.
January 2015: Appearance at LOVE CITY CONVENTION
In January 2015, Sly Stone, along with four of his bandmates, appeared at LOVE CITY CONVENTION in Oakland, which honored the band and its legacy. Sly Stone was in good spirits, answered questions from fans, and signed autographs.
January 2015: $5 Million Awarded in Lawsuit
In January 2015, a Los Angeles jury ruled in favor of Sly Stone in his lawsuit against Jerry Goldstein, awarding him $5 million.
December 2015: Award Overturned in Lawsuit
In December 2015, the $5 million award to Sly Stone was overturned by an appellate court, citing that the trial judge did not instruct the jury to consider that Sly Stone had assigned his royalties to a production company in exchange for a 50% ownership stake.
May 2016: Appeal of Overturned Award
In May 2016, Sly Stone's attorneys appealed the decision to overturn the $5 million award in his lawsuit against Jerry Goldstein.
2017: Release of 'On the Sly: In Search of the Family Stone'
In 2017, Michael Rubenstone's documentary "On the Sly: In Search of the Family Stone" was released. The film follows Rubenstone's journey across the United States to find individuals involved with Sly Stone. The film was screened at the Slamdance Film Festival.
2017: Completion of "Small Talk About Sly"
Prior to 2017, Greg Zola completed making a documentary about Sly Stone, titled "Small Talk About Sly".
October 2023: Publication of Sly Stone's Autobiography
In October 2023, Sly Stone's autobiography, "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)", was published.
December 2023: Release of "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town (2023 Mix)"
In December 2023, the single "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town (2023 Mix)" was released by Cleopatra Records.
2023: Releases Autobiography
In 2023, Sly Stone released his autobiography, "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)".
June 9, 2025: Sylvester Stewart's Death
On June 9, 2025, Sylvester Stewart, also known as Sly Stone, passed away.
2025: Finished Screenplay at Time of Death
At the time of Sly Stone's death in 2025, he had recently finished writing a screenplay about his life.
2025: Release of "Sly Lives!" Documentary
In 2025, Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson's documentary "Sly Lives!" (aka the Burden of Black Genius) was released, exploring the challenges faced by black performers and celebrating Sly Stone's ability to establish a healthy life after show business pressures. It includes interviews from "Small Talk About Sly" and "On the Sly: In Search of the Family Stone".
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