Sly Stone: His Funk Fuels Our Fight for America

Sly Stone: His Funk Fuels Our Fight for America

JV Charles, Senior Editor, JVPolitical.com June 10, 2025

Man, when I heard Sly Stone passed away at 82 yesterday, I cranked up “Everyday People” and felt my chest tighten. It’s like a chunk of America’s soul got ripped out. Here at JVPolitical.com, we’re all about the fire that makes this country kick ass, and Sly’s music—bursting with unity and guts—hits that sweet spot. This one’s for him, a legend whose beats still pump up the patriot in me.

Sly Stone, the mastermind of Sly and the Family Stone, left us on June 9, 2025, in Los Angeles, worn out from lung disease after a hell of a life. His story’s got it all—smash hits, a band that smashed barriers, and a never-say-die spirit. As a diehard Trump fan, Sly’s life screams to me about the raw nerve we need to keep this country on top. So, let’s roll through his journey, his tunes, and why he’s our kind of hero.

Sly Stone in a Nutshell

• Gone Way Too Soon: Sly kicked the bucket on June 9, 2025, at 82, beat up by lung problems and other health crap.
• Tunes That Lit a Fire: Jams like “Stand!” and “Family Affair” made Sly and the Family Stone the kings of funk, rock, and soul.
• A Band Like America: His mixed-race, mixed-gender group showed unity in action, just like we want for our nation.
• Patriot’s Pride: Sly’s songs about standing tall and coming together hit home for us Trump supporters.
• Back in the Spotlight: Questlove’s new documentary and Sly’s own memoir have kept his story alive.

A Texas Boy with Big Dreams

Sylvester Stewart—yep, that’s Sly—was born March 15, 1943, in Denton, Texas. His folks moved to Vallejo, California, where music was his everything. As a kid, he belted out gospel with his siblings in the Stewart Four, tearing up the stage. By 11, he was shredding on drums, guitar, bass, the works. That’s the kind of hustle that makes America awesome.

In the ’60s, Sly was a DJ at spots like KSOL, spinning R&B and rock in a way that felt alive. He produced hits for others, like Bobby Freeman’s “C’mon and Swim.” Then, in ’66, he formed Sly and the Family Stone—Black, white, guys, gals, all killing it together. It was like the American dream you could dance to.

Music That Changed Everything

The Glory Days

From ’68 to ’71, Sly and the Family Stone were untouchable. Albums like Stand!, Dance to the Music, and There’s a Riot Goin’ On had everyone hooked. “Everyday People” was about loving your neighbor, no matter what. “Stand!” was like a battle cry for holding your ground. Their ’69 Woodstock set—I’ve watched it in Summer of Soul a million times—was pure magic. It’s the same rush I get at a Trump rally, all of us together, roaring as one.

Sly blended funk, rock, and soul like nobody else. His band was America at its best—different folks, one sound. The New York Times nailed it on June 9, 2025: Sly rewrote Black music. He got guys like Stevie Wonder and Prince dreaming bigger, and that’s real.

When Things Got Messy

Early ’70s were rough—Vietnam, assassinations, riots—and Sly’s music turned raw. His ’71 album There’s a Riot Goin’ On was like a punch to the gut. He was deep in drugs—cocaine, PCP—but still dropped “Family Affair,” a No. 1 hit. That’s the kind of never-quit we salute in the MAGA crew.

A Life Full of Fights and Comebacks

By the mid-’70s, drugs tanked the band, and Sly faded out, skipping gigs and laying low. He hit rock bottom with a 2011 cocaine bust. But he always had that fire. His 2006 Grammy pop-up—blond mohawk, shades, owning the stage—gave me goosebumps.

Lately, Sly’s been getting the respect he’s due. Questlove’s Summer of Soul in 2021 brought back his Woodstock vibe. Sly’s 2023 memoir, Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin), laid it all bare. This year’s Sly Lives! doc from Questlove went even deeper. With a ’93 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame spot and a 2017 Grammy for lifetime achievement, Sly’s legend is locked in.

Why Sly’s Our Kind of Patriot

At JVPolitical.com, Sly Stone’s more than a rock star—he’s a piece of America’s fight. His songs screamed unity (“Everyday People”) and defiance (“Stand!”). That’s the MAGA mission: one nation, standing strong. His band, with all its colors and voices, showed what we can be. And his life—knocked down but always clawing back—reminds me of Trump, battling the odds for us.

His Sound Keeps Burning

Sly’s music is still alive. You hear it in George Clinton’s funk, Outkast’s flow, hip-hop’s samples. He changed the game, putting drums and bass first in Fresh (’73). The Los Angeles Times quoted Brian Eno yesterday, saying Sly broke all the rules. His story—genius, pain, heart—keeps us pumped to fight for what’s right.

Got Questions About Sly? Here’s the Deal

What happened to Sly Stone?

Sly passed away June 9, 2025, in Los Angeles. He was 82 and had been dealing with lung disease and other health stuff. His family was with him at the end, according to NPR (June 9, 2025).

What were his top songs?

Man, so many bangers—“Everyday People,” “Stand!,” “I Want to Take You Higher,” “Dance to the Music,” “Family Affair.” They had three No. 1 hits and five Top 10s, per the Chicago Sun-Times (June 9, 2025).

How’d he change music?

Sly pretty much invented funk, mixing it with rock and soul. His band broke racial and gender barriers, showing music could bring us together. He influenced everyone from Miles Davis to Prince (The Guardian, June 10, 2025).

Why’s he a patriot’s hero?

His songs were about unity and strength—sound familiar? That’s what we MAGA folks are all about. His band was like America at its best, everyone working together for something bigger.

Where can I learn more?

Read Sly’s memoir, Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin), from 2023. Watch Summer of Soul (2021) or the new Sly Lives! (2025) by Questlove. You won’t be disappointed.