Soul music legend Sly Stone is homeless and living in a camper van in Los Angeles, according to the New York Post. The former frontman of Sly and the Family Stone blames his former manager, Jerry Goldstein, for the bulk of his financial woes. Sly Stone sued Goldstein last year for fraud and stolen royalty payments, seeking $50 million in damages.
Stone, who once lived in a swank Beverly Hills mansion, now lives in a white camper van in a seedy Los Angeles neighborhood. A retired couple reportedly allows him to shower in their house and feeds him daily. According to the Post, Stone is “disheveled, paranoid” and believes the “FBI is after him” and “his enemies have hired hit men.”
Still, even if he weren’t broke, Sly Stone told the New York Post he is happy where he is. “I like my small camper,” he said. “I just do not want to return to a fixed home. I cannot stand being in one place. i must keep moving.”
Although Stone allegedly claims his former manager is responsible for the bulk of his financial misfortune, his own track record with business decisions is not great. In 1984, Sly Stone sold the publishing rights to his music to Michael Jackson for only $1 million. He also has a history of drug and alcohol abuse and was arrested several times for cocaine possession.
Stone said he is still making music and has been recording new songs on his laptop. He also is up for taking on new gigs if anyone is interested in having him. “I see all the guys playing those old songs. Let these guys know, like Lady Gaga, let me come in, just let me come in and pay me if you like it.â€