Sly Stone, born Sylvester Stewart, is an influential American musician known for his role as frontman of the band Sly and the Family Stone. Formed in 1966, the band was groundbreaking in their fusion of soul, rock, funk, and psychedelic music, with notable hits including "Everyday People" and "Family Affair". They are particularly recognized for their racially and gender-integrated lineup, a rarity in the late 1960s, and for their significant influence on the development of soul, funk and psychedelic music. Stone's innovative songwriting and production techniques, including the use of drum machines and distorted, funk-infused guitar lines, have been widely influential in the music industry.