Funk Icon Sly Stone Passes Away: Kirk Franklin Leads Emotional Tribute At BET Awards

The music world mourns the passing of funk pioneer Sly Stone at 82, a transformative figure in American music. While the cause of death remains undisclosed, Stone had a long history of COPD and other health struggles. The news broke live during the 2025 BET Awards, catching gospel icon Kirk Franklin off guard as he was being honored. Franklin, deeply influenced by Stone’s funk sound, expressed profound sadness, calling it “a huge loss” to music. He then dedicated his closing performance to Stone, transforming it into a heartfelt tribute to the artist he credited with laying the foundation for funk. Stone’s legacy is celebrated as a cornerstone of Black musical excellence, with Franklin hoping future generations will remember his monumental impact.