It looks like Sly Stone will not be living in a van down by the river anymore. In a long-winded legal battle, Stone will finally receive $5 million in royalties due to him by his lawyer Gerald Goldstein and his company Even St. Productions.
The iconic funk singer filed suit in 2010 against his manager Goldstein and attorney Glenn Stone -- no relation -- in the late 1980s, claiming that Even St. Productions induced him to sign an employment and shareholder agreement, according to Variety.
But an appeal was rejected which deemed BMI, Sony and Warner not liable for any payout to Stone. Things looked bleak for Stone, and thus his homestead remained mobile.
But in a most deserved victory, a Los Angeles jury ruled Jan. 27 that Even St. Productions is to pay Stone for damages adding up to $5 million.
Nick Hornberger, a lawyer to Stone, said, "It was a classic case of Hollywood accounting, but I guess it would have to be called record industry accounting."
Indeed it is, Hornberger, as many unknown cases resembling this ensue to this day, many of which will not end on such a victorious note.
For now, though, we commend Stone on his most astounding victory in court and hope that musicians abound continue to receive their due process.
Until then, here is Stone in action:
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