India, June 10 -- Funk pioneer and music legend Sly Stone has passed away at the age of 82. Although the exact cause of death has not been disclosed, Stone had long battled chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other health complications. He died on Monday, surrounded by his family.

Born Sylvester Stewart, Stone was the creative force behind Sly and the Family Stone, the genre-blending band that delivered hits such as "Everyday People," "Stand!" and "Family Affair." The group helped shape the musical and cultural landscape of the late 1960s and early '70s.

Stone was married to model and actress Kathy Silva, with whom he famously tied the knot on stage during a sold-out concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City on June...