Ahmir “ Questlove ” Thompson directed the Sly Stone documentary Sly Lives! (AKA The Burden of Black Genius that premiered at Sundance this year, and now he has penned a moving tribute to his subject, who died Monday at 82 . “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,” Questlove wrote on Instagram today. “His songs weren’t just about fighting injustice; they were about transforming the self to transform the world.
” See his full tribute below. Related Stories Sly Stone Dies: Funk-Rock Pioneer Behind Sly & The Family Stone, Subject Of ‘Sly Lives!’ Doc Was 82 2025 Deaths Photo Gallery: Hollywood & Media Obituaries Stone wrote, produced, sang and played on such revered songs as “Family Affair,” “Everyday People” and “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)” — all of which hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 — along with “Dance to the Music,” “Hot Fun in the Summertime,” “I Want to Take You Higher” and “Stand!” Watch on Deadline RELATED: ‘Sly Lives!’ Director Questlove On The Genius Of Sly Stone And How He Influenced Generations Of Artists — Sundance Studio His group Sly & The Family Stone blended myriad genres including rock, funk, soul, psychedelia and more into a singular stew that thrilled record buyers and concertgoers during the group’s 1969-73 heyday and continues to move people today.
Here is Questlove.
