Sly Stone, one of the most influential and groundbreaking musicians of the late Sixties and early Seventies who smashed the boundaries of rock, pop, funk, and soul, died on Monday. He was 82. The cause of death was a “prolonged battle with COPD and other underlying health issues,” according to a statement by his family.

One of the true pioneers of funk and soul music has sadly died. Sly Stone, frontman of the iconic band Sly and the Family Stone, has died at the age of 82, USA TODAY reported.

Sly Stone, the iconic frontman of the band Sly and the Family Stone, and an influential figure in funk, soul and rock, has died at the age of 82.