Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and Hulu have unveiled the first teaser for the highly anticipated documentary, SLY LIVES!. Directed by the Philadelphia-born artist, this film delves into the profound life and enduring legacy of Sly Stone, the enigmatic mastermind behind Sly & The Family Stone.
André 3000, of OutKast, provides commentary in the teaser, passionately discussing Sly Stone’s significant influence as both a pioneer “opened the portal” to a futuristic neo-urban sound.
SLY LIVES! is set to make its world premiere in January 2025 at the Sundance Film Festival before arriving on Hulu in February. The documentary boasts an impressive lineup of contributors, including musical legends like D’Angelo, Chaka Khan, Q-Tip, Nile Rodgers, and George Clinton. It also includes intimate perspectives from Stone’s family members, such as Sylvette Phunne Robinson, Novena Carmel, and Sylvester Stewart Jr.
At its heart, the film examines the rise, reign, and eventual retreat of one of pop music’s most innovative figures. Beyond chronicling Sly Stone’s extraordinary journey, SLY LIVES! sheds light on the challenges Black artists in America face, highlighting the often unseen burdens that accompany their genius and success. Drawing from his own experiences, Questlove crafts an empathetic narrative that redefines how we view pop culture and its icons.
This project marks Questlove’s second directorial venture following the award-winning success of Summer of Soul, which debuted at Sundance in 2021. That groundbreaking documentary earned Questlove numerous accolades, including the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award in the US Documentary Competition at Sundance, as well as a Peabody Award.
Reflecting on his connection to Sly Stone’s artistry, Questlove shared that Sly’s legacy serves as a blueprint for black musicians and that it is one that he is honored to emulate in his personal work.
With SLY LIVES!, Questlove continues to elevate the stories of Black musicians, celebrating their genius while illuminating the complexities of their creative journeys. This documentary promises to be a profound tribute to one of music’s most revolutionary figures and an essential watch for fans of Sly Stone, Questlove, and the transformative power of music.
