Sly Stone, the visionary frontman of Sly & the Family Stone, passed away on June 9, 2025, at the age of 82. Widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in music, Sly Stone’s innovative fusion of funk, rock, and soul changed the course of modern music, leaving a lasting legacy that transcended generations.

Sly Stone’s pioneering work with Sly & the Family Stone in the late 1960s and early 1970s helped define the psychedelic soul movement. The group’s groundbreaking approach to combining soulful melodies, funk rhythms, and rock instrumentation reshaped popular music and introduced a new era of sound.

A Legacy Defined by Billboard Hits and Cultural Influence

Sly & the Family Stone became one of the most influential groups of the late 1960s and 1970s, with three No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 and several more chart-topping songs that shaped the music landscape. Their breakout hit, “Dance to the Music”, reached No. 8 on the Hot 100 in 1968, and it was only the beginning of their chart-topping success.

Here’s a look at their biggest hits:

• “Everyday People” (1969): Their first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, this track became an anthem for unity and inclusivity, solidifying their place in music history.

• “Thank You Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin”/”Everybody Is a Star” (1970): A dual-sided hit, this single showcased their eclectic sound, reaching No. 1 on the charts.

• “Family Affair” (1971): Their third No. 1 hit, this track became another defining moment in their legendary career.

In addition to these successes, the group charted 16 hits on the Hot 100 from 1968 to 1975, with their distinctive blend of funk, soul, and rock influencing countless artists across various genres.

Sly & the Family Stone’s Enduring Influence

Sly Stone’s passing is not just the loss of a musical icon, but the end of an era. The group’s influence, however, remains very much alive in today’s music. Sly & the Family Stone’s innovative approach to music paved the way for the growth of funk, hip hop, and disco, and their impact is still felt across genres.

In 1993, Sly & the Family Stone were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, cementing their legacy as pioneers of the psychedelic soul genre. Their influence is also reflected in modern artists, including those who sampled their music or drew inspiration from their sound, like Prince and OutKast.

Sly Stone’s Billboard Legacy

Below is a retrospective of Sly & the Family Stone’s 10 biggest Billboard hits:

Remembering Sly Stone’s Legacy

The music world has lost a true trailblazer. Sly Stone’s pioneering approach to blending funk, rock, and soul created a new musical era and paved the way for many genres that followed. From their Billboard No. 1 hits to their cultural influence, Sly & the Family Stone will forever remain a symbol of artistic innovation and social progress.

Their groundbreaking sound, which blurred the lines between genres and pushed the boundaries of what music could be, will continue to inspire generations to come. Sly Stone’s impact on music cannot be overstated, and his legacy will forever be etched in the annals of music history.

The long-awaited Harry Potter TV series at HBO has officially cast two more of its key characters. Bel Powley and Daniel Rigby will portray Petunia and Vernon Dursley, the neglectful Muggle guardians of young Harry Potter, Variety has learned exclusively.

Casting for their son Dudley Dursley has yet to be announced.

Fans of the J.K. Rowling book series will recognize Petunia Dursley as the estranged sister of Harry’s late mother, Lily Potter. Alongside her husband Vernon, she raises Harry in the cupboard under the stairs at Number 4, Privet Drive — albeit grudgingly and cruelly. In the original Warner Bros. films, the characters were portrayed by Fiona Shaw and Richard Griffiths.

The upcoming HBO Max series, positioned as a faithful adaptation of the books, is set to revisit the iconic wizarding story with a fresh cast and deeper exploration of the magical universe. According to HBO, each season will cover one book in detail, introducing “Harry Potter and its incredible adventures to new and existing audiences.”

Powley, known for acclaimed roles in A Small Light, The Morning Show, and The Diary of a Teenage Girl, brings both dramatic and comedic depth to the cast. She is repped by UTA, Curtis Brown Group, and Jackoway Austen Tyerman.

Rigby, who earned a BAFTA TV Award for Best Actor in 2011 for his performance in Eric and Ernie, recently appeared in Renegade Nell, Tom Jones, and is set to join Blade Runner 2099. He is represented by Independent Talent Group and Hamilton Hodell.

They join an already high-profile cast that includes:

• Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter

• Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger

• Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley

• John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore

• Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall

• Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape

• Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid

• Luke Thallon as Professor Quirrell

• Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch

The series is helmed by showrunner Francesca Gardiner, who also serves as writer and executive producer. Mark Mylod is set to direct multiple episodes and will executive produce alongside J.K. Rowling, Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts (Brontë Film and TV), and David Heyman (Heyday Films), the producer of the original Harry Potter film series.

Production is being handled by HBO, in association with Brontë Film and TV and Warner Bros. Television.

Stay tuned for more exclusive casting updates as the wizarding world returns to the screen with renewed magic.