(NBC, KYMA/KECY) - Funk pioneer and musical legend Sly Stone has passed away at the age of 82.

Stone was the frontman of "Sly and the Family Stone," which formed in California back in 1966 and went on to top Pop and R&B charts with hits like "I Want To Take You Higher," "Everyday People" and "Dance to the Music."

"Dance to the Music" was chosen for the Grammy Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's "500 Songs That Shaped Rock" and Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time."

Stone, who's real name was Sylvester Stewart, had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other underlying health issues for years, according to his family.

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