Sylvester Stewart Jr. and Leslie Small Collaborate on Documentary About Music Legend Sly Stone for Winter State Entertainment

Sylvester Stewart Jr. Collaborates with Leslie Small on Sly Stone Documentary

Sylvester Stewart Jr., the son of iconic funk musician Sly Stone, is partnering with director Leslie Small to create a documentary that delves into the music, mystique, and lasting cultural impact of one of America’s most influential artists. This project is being developed in collaboration with Winter State Entertainment.

Sly Stone, the lead singer of Sly and the Family Stone, has long been regarded as a mysterious figure in music. Although celebrated as a funk pioneer and cultural icon, he has often kept his personal life private, rarely sharing insights into his experiences and thoughts. This documentary aims to provide a rare glimpse into his world, showcasing not just the legend, but the person behind the music.

The film will utilize over 50 hours of previously unseen footage, alongside a family archive filled with photographs and videos. This extensive material will offer audiences a unique perspective on Stone’s daily life, creativity, and personal reflections, illustrating the evolution of a family whose artistry reshaped American pop culture.

Sly and the Family Stone are known for their groundbreaking integration of racial and gender diversity and their innovative blend of funk, soul, rock, and psychedelia. Their pivotal songs, such as “Everyday People," “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin),” “Dance to the Music,” and “Family Affair,” have left a lasting mark on multiple generations of musicians, influencing artists from Prince to Kendrick Lamar and The Roots. The group’s contributions to music have earned them the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, the R&B Foundation Pioneer Award, and recognition as one of Rolling Stone Magazine’s 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.

The documentary will also feature interviews with artists, collaborators, cultural historians, and individuals whose lives have been shaped by Stone’s extensive legacy. The production team includes Camille and Hamid Torabpour, as well as Nick Hagen, Dr. Mark Smith, and Stewart Jr. and Small.

“At its core, this project is about understanding my dad as a person, not just a musical genius,” stated Stewart Jr. “This film will have given me the rare opportunity to show the world a side of him that only family gets to see. This film is my way of telling the truth — his brilliance, his vulnerability, and the real man behind the music.”

Leslie Small remarked, “Sly and the Family Stone’s music lit my soul on fire when I was a kid — it broke barriers, united people, and shaped who I am as an artist. Being able to team up with Sly’s son, Sylvester Jr., to bring his journey to the screen is one of the great honors of my career. Working with Hamid and Camille — whose loyalty, integrity, and creative vision inspire me every day — makes this project even more meaningful. I couldn’t ask for better partners.”

Hamid and Camille Torabpour of Winter State Entertainment added, “Sly Stone has inspired generations with his music, his vision, and his life. To be part of telling this extraordinary story, even in a small way, is deeply meaningful. We are grateful for the opportunity to help Sylvester Stewart Jr. share this deeply personal story.”

At 52 years old, Stewart Jr. has a long history in film and television lighting, with 24 years of experience. Although raised in Hollywood’s backdrop, this project marks his feature directorial debut.

Leslie Small is recognized for directing Kevin Hart’s comedy special Act My Age, which recently secured a Golden Globe nomination. His recent works include the Emmy-nominated Olympic Highlights with Kevin Hart & Snoop Dog, three seasons of Hart 2 Hart, and Kevin Hart’s Reality Check. He is also involved in a concert docu-film featuring Afrobeats stars Burna Boy and Akon, along with the documentary series Black Comedy in America.

Winter State Entertainment is also known for its production of documentaries on Pro Football Hall of Famer Willie Roaf (ROAF), MLB icons Jim “Kitty” Kaat (Kitty to Cooperstown), and Tommy John (Tommy John: The Bionic Man), among other narratives, including Under the Stadium Lights, featuring Laurence Fishburne and Milo Gibson.