The Troubling Childhood of Sly Stone’s Daughter: A Journey into Family Turmoil

Phunne Stone, the daughter of music legend Sly Stone, recounts a dark chapter from her childhood in a new Hulu documentary titled “Sly Lives! (aka the Burden of Black Genius).” The documentary reveals unsettling memories of growing up surrounded by the influences of her father’s fame and personal struggles.

In a candid sharing of her past, Phunne disclosed that as a child, she resorted to snorting sidewalk chalk to imitate her father’s cocaine use. She described her misguided attempts to mimic adult behavior by utilizing one of Sly’s collected razor blades to slice lines of chalk.

Reflecting on this reckless moment, Phunne stated, “I went and grabbed me one and my box of chalk. And I said, ‘We gon’ do what the grown folks do.’ So, I got my chalk and I chopped up about 37 lines of chalk out there and got the Monopoly money, rolled up.” Her innocence mingled with confusion, as she knew the gravity of the act yet proceeded nonetheless.

As she detailed her experience, Phunne recalled, “We were out there … about 19 lines. We sneezed and s–t.” The act was soon interrupted when her mother, Cynthia Robinson, Sly and the Family Stone’s co-founder, caught her in the act, delivering a stark lesson on the consequences of her actions.

“My mama came out and was like, ‘What are you doing?!’” Phunne remembered, emphasizing the vivid colors of the chalk scatted about, resulting from her impulsive and misguided actions. She recalled responding to her mother with denial, stating, “Nothing!” However, as any parent might, Robinson swiftly intervened in a disciplinary manner, leaving a lasting impression on her daughter.

Living in a unique household, Phunne often felt isolated as the only child amid a vibrant music family. She described her upbringing as being enveloped in an adult world that contributed to her belief that she had reached maturity prematurely. Despite Sly’s somewhat absent presence in her life, Phunne emphasized that her parents’ love for one another was genuine.

Sadly, Robinson passed away in 2015 at the age of 69, but her influence persists in Phunne’s memories. Reflecting on her family dynamics, she noted of her father, “I think that my dad is … shy, and I think drugs helped him be fearless.” Phunne’s poignant words suggest a complex view of Sly, revealing both admiration and a sense of longing for a more engaged relationship.

Recently, in the documentary, Phunne shared a touching account of her reunion with Sly Stone, who is now 81 years old. The emotional moment captured their shared pain and joy, as Phunne stated, “He cried, I cried, everybody around us was crying. And we [were] hugging and shaking and all that.” This description of their reconnection illustrates the possibility of healing amidst past traumas.

Sly Stone, born Sylvester Stewart, emerged from humble beginnings in Texas and found his footing in Vallejo, California. Delving into music, he earned recognition as a radio DJ while studying music composition. His eclectic artistry led him to create a distinctive genre that fused elements of Motown, funk, R&B, gospel, and psychedelic rock.

In 1966, Sly and the Family Stone burst onto the music scene, producing a remarkable series of hits, including “Everyday People,” “I Want to Take You Higher,” and “Hot Fun in the Summertime.” Despite his creativity, Stone’s journey was also marred by personal and professional turmoil.

As drug dependency took hold, his performances became increasingly unpredictable, with fans left uncertain about his presence at concerts. The band’s trajectory shifted dramatically after the release of their 1973 album “Fresh,” leading to infighting, addiction, and legal troubles that plagued Sly for decades.

Sly’s struggles with substance abuse intensified. He faced numerous legal issues and rehab stints, ultimately leading to a dependence on crack cocaine. The fallout included strained relationships and a series of self-destructive choices that deeply affected his family.

Today, Sly Stone grapples with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, resulting in significant loss of lung capacity. He finally achieved sobriety in 2019, demonstrating strength in overcoming decades of addiction. In 2023, Sly published his memoir, acknowledging the uncertainty of his memories and stating that he often relied on others’ recollections to fill in the gaps.

In the documentary, Sly’s son Sylvester Stewart Jr. also shared his perspective, emphasizing the confusion and disappointment that accompanied his father’s troubles. “As a kid, hearing about him being arrested for drugs or whatever, I didn’t like it,” he admitted, reflecting a longing for the idealized figure he once believed his father to be.

Through the lens of this powerful documentary, viewers witness not only the complexities of Sly Stone’s life but also the enduring love and struggles of his family. The film sheds light on the impacts of fame and addiction, capturing the emotional journey of Phunne and her brother as they navigate their inherited legacy amid both turmoil and reconciliation.

A Legacy of Struggles and Redemption

In conclusion, the world of Sly Stone is one marked by excessive talent and tumultuous choices, echoing the dichotomies that define many lives touched by substance abuse and fame. As Phunne and her brother continue to mend their relationship with their father, they embody a story of resilience—a narrative that highlights the possibility of overcoming even the most daunting family legacies