Cynthia Robinson, Founding Member of Sly and the Family Stone, Dies at 69

Cynthia Robinson, one of the founding members of the iconic funk group, Sly and the Family Stone, died today after a long battle with cancer. She was 69 years old.

Born on January 12, 1946 in Sacramento California, Cynthia began with brass instruments in high school, joining the marching band and all-faith choir.

Robinson's career with the band started in 1966 when the group was initially named the Stoners. When the band eventually migrated to the Family Stone, Robinson maintained her presence in the group, which she shared with her cousin Larry Graham.

In 1967, the ensemble scored a hit with its sophomore LP Dance to the Music. The title track was a smash and made way for other successful singles like "Everyday People," "Stand," "Family Affair" and a string of others.

However, when the band began to lose traction, Robinson performed in Graham's Graham Central Station. She also worked with George Clinton and Prince.

In 1993, too, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the other Family members.

Fellow band mate and saxophonist Jerry Martini told Billboard:

"She covered a lot of ground. She was the first female trumpet player and the first African-American trumpet player in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She wasn't in the back. She was out front telling you to get up and dance to the music, and she could blow with the best of 'em, always."

The Roots' Questlove posted a loving eulogy for the late musician citing that she was the original "hypeman." She leaves behind two daughters.

Our condolences to Robinson's family and loved ones. Per Rolling Stone, administrators of Robinson's Facebook page ask that fans donate to the Cynthia Robinson Cancer Care Fund.

Here she is below.