Sly Stone’s Kids Offer Rare Glimpse at 81-Year-Old Rocker’s ‘Normal’ Life Today, 6 Years After He Got Clean

Sly Stone’s Offspring Grant Access to Rare Glimpse of Rocker’s ‘Ordinary’ Life Six Years After His Recovery​

Sly Stone’s children recently provided a glimpse into the life of the 81-year-old rock icon, highlighting the ‘normal’ moments they now cherish with him, six years after he overcame addiction. The documentary “Sly Lives! (aka the Burden of Black Genius)” by Questlove showcases the journey of Sly and the Family Stone, depicting their rise to fame, struggles with addiction, and the subsequent derailment of Sly Stone’s career. Premiered at Sundance and available for viewing on Hulu, the film features insights from Stone’s son and two daughters, reflecting on their childhood experiences with their father and their current interactions with him as adults.

In the documentary, Novena Carmel, aged 43 and Stone’s daughter, revealed that she had limited interactions with her father during her childhood. She recounted a heartbreaking moment when, as a 10-year-old, she called her father’s house only to find him in a state of disarray and unaware of her identity. Carmel expressed her desire for a better life for her father, reflecting on the painful memories of their past. Meanwhile, Sylvester Stewart Jr., Stone’s son with ex-wife Kathy Silva, acknowledged the immense pressure his father faced throughout his life, leading to a lack of ‘normal’ experiences between them. Despite the challenges, Stewart Jr. appreciates the recent years as the most ordinary times he has shared with his father.

The narrative takes an endearing turn as Carmel shares a heartwarming anecdote about Stone’s birthday celebration, where he simple requested a “big pizza with all of the toppings.” She also revealed Stone’s love for Westerns and cars, painting a picture of him as a “standard old Black man.” Phunne Stone, Stone’s daughter with the late Cynthia Robinson, highlighted her father’s shy nature and how drugs once provided him with a sense of fearlessness. Stone, who battles chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and has seen a decline in his lung function, embarked on his journey to sobriety in 2019 upon his doctor’s cautionary advice.

A notable absence in the documentary was Sly Stone appearing on camera due to his fragile health condition. Producer Joseph Patel explained the decision, emphasizing the importance of empathy in storytelling. Reflecting on a previous interview with Stone in 2020 for “Summer of Soul,” Patel shared that the musician’s physical limitations prevented his participation in the filming. Despite Stone’s prolonged struggle with substance abuse, Questlove aimed to portray him as a person rather than a mere personality, shedding light on his humanity, a rare portrayal for Black individuals in media narratives.

The candid revelations from Sly Stone’s children offer a touching insight into the rock icon’s personal life, showcasing the complexities of familial bonds and the resilience found in moments of vulnerability. Stone’s journey towards recovery stands as a testament to his strength and the enduring power of familial relationships. The documentary serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by individuals battling addiction and the profound impact of love and support in their healing process. Sly Stone’s legacy transcends his musical contributions, encompassing a narrative of redemption and the enduring bonds of family.