NEW YORK (AP) — Sly Stone, the iconic musician and frontman of Sly and the Family Stone, has died at the age of 82. Stone, born Sylvester Stewart, passed away surrounded by family after battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other health issues, according to his publicist Carleen Donovan.

Sly and the Family Stone, formed in the mid-1960s, was groundbreaking for its time. The band was the first major group to feature a racially integrated lineup of both men and women. Their music was a vibrant mix of genres, including jazz, psychedelic rock, doo-wop, soul, and funk. The group’s energetic performances and innovative sound helped define the cultural landscape of the 1960s and 1970s.

The band’s rise to fame was swift but impactful, peaking between 1968 and 1971. They captured the spirit of the Woodstock era with hits like "Everyday People," "Stand!" and "Family Affair." Their songs resonated with a generation, addressing both the euphoria and the disillusionment of the times. From the upbeat anthem "I Want To Take You Higher" to the more somber reflections in "Family Affair," Sly and the Family Stone spoke to the complexities of the human experience.

The group began as a sextet in the Bay Area, featuring Sly on keyboards, Larry Graham on bass, Freddie Stone on guitar, Rose Stone on vocals, and Cynthia Robinson and Jerry Martini on horns, with Greg Errico on drums. Their debut album, "A Whole New Thing," was released in 1967, but it was their single "Dance to the Music" that propelled them into the spotlight, reaching the top 10 in April 1968.

Sly Stone's flamboyant style, characterized by leather jumpsuits, goggle shades, and a distinctive Afro, made him a standout figure in music. The band’s performance at the Woodstock festival in 1969 solidified their status as cultural icons. Their music celebrated themes of community and non-conformity, encapsulated in the phrase "different strokes for different folks."

Throughout their career, Sly and the Family Stone released five top 10 singles, three of which reached No. 1, and produced three million-selling albums: "Stand!", "There’s a Riot Goin’ On," and "Greatest Hits." Their influence extended beyond their own music, inspiring countless artists. The Jackson Five and the Temptations drew from Sly’s innovative vocal and instrumental arrangements.

Sly Stone's impact on music was profound. Jazz legend Miles Davis was influenced by his work, leading to the creation of the groundbreaking album "Bitches Brew." Questlove, in the foreword to Stone’s memoir, "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)," described him as “cooler than everything around him by a factor of infinity.”

The legacy of Sly Stone continues to resonate in modern music. Artists like Prince, Rick James, and the Black-Eyed Peas have cited him as an influence. His riffs have been sampled by numerous hip-hop artists, including the Beastie Boys and Dr. Dre. A tribute album released in 2005 featured contributions from Maroon 5, John Legend, and the Roots.

Sly Stone's contributions to music and culture have left an indelible mark, and his passing marks the end of an era for funk and popular music.