Trumpeter and co-founder of funk band Sly & The Family Stone, Cynthia Robinson, dies at 69. Robinson was spunky and spirited and still actively touring. The legendary band broke up in 1975, but Robinson continued to play with Sly, whom she has one daughter with.
Her most recent tour dates using the moniker The Family Stone included large festivals like Glastonbury 2015, Rhythm and Blues by the Brook in New Jersey, Lock 3 in Akron, Ohio, plus more tour dates scheduled in January. The Family Stone featured original saxophonist Jerry Martini and trumpeter Cynthia Robinson sans frontman Sly Stone. She was also a member of former Family Stone member Larry Graham’s band, Graham Central Station. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee (1993) also played with such artists as Prince and George Clinton’s Funkadelic.
According to the “Cynthia Robinson’s Cancer Care Fund” on the Give Forward donation page, Robinson was diagnosed with cancer.
The page reads in its entirety:
“Cynthia Robinson, internationally known as one of the most important icons in music history has been diagnosed with cancer. As the only female, African-American trumpet player ever to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cynthia along with other members of Sly and the Family Stone became the first inter-gender, interracial band in history to spread the message of Peace, Love, and social consciousness. For nearly 50 years, Cynthia has tirelessly given to us through her musical contributions. Please show your love and support to Cynthia to help cover the immense medical costs needed for her care and comfort.”
At press time, the fund raised $8,620 of the $50,000 requested. She leaves to cherish her memory two daughters: Laura Marie and Sylvette Phunne Stone.
Fan and member of the contemporary pop band, The Roots frontman Questlove writes on Instagram: “… she wasn’t just a screaming cheerleading foil to Sly & Freddie’s gospel vocals. She was a KICK ASS trumpet player. A crucial intricate part of Sly Stone’s utopian vision of MLK’s America: Sly & The Family Stone were brothers & cousins. friends & enemies. black & white. male & female. saint & sinner. common man & superheroes. guarded & vulnerable. poets & punks. hip & square.”
Share in the photos tribute in the gallery below.
