Sly Stone, leader of Sly and the Family Stone, dies aged 82

Sly Stone, a funk-rock star who lead the group Sly and the Family Stone, has died aged 82, his family said.

In a statement on Monday, they said that he died following a "prolonged battle" with COPD and other underlying health issues.

"Sly was a monumental figure, a groundbreaking innovator, and a true pioneer who redefined the landscape of pop, funk, and rock music," his family said. "His iconic songs have left an indelible mark on the world, and his influence remains undeniable."

He rose to stardom in the 1960s and 1970s after starting out as a DJ in San Francisco.

Stone, whose real name was Sylvester Stewart, formed Sly and the Family Stone with his sisters and brother at a young age.

Initially that band played gospel music but with time, they became known for blending music styles including psychedelia and funk.

They played a memorable set at the 1969 Woodstock Festival and at the Summer of Soul concert in Harlem that same year.

Stone "recently completed the screenplay for his life story, a project we are eager to share with the world in due course", his family said.

The band and Stone struggled in 1970s with some internal strife and drug issues and, while Stone occasionally played played alone, the band booked fewer gigs.

Sly and the Family Stone was inducted into the the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.