Sly Stone now among the everyday homeless people

Plenty of rock musicians and movie stars are known for the passions for cars. But not too many celebrities get attention for living in their vehicles. Re-meet funk icon Sly Stone, the top-selling artist and former car buff who’s now living in a van in a rough Los Angeles neighborhood.

Stone, with the ensemble he put together called The Family Stone, had numerous hits beginning in 1968 with “Dance to the Music,” followed by “Everyday People,” “Family Affair,” “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)” and “Stand!”

Like other celebrities, he loved cars. According to several media accounts, he once drove a Jaguar XKE he painted purple. And he had Hummers, a London taxi and a Studebaker he still owns.

A few years ago, according to the lengthy article in The New York Post, he cruised around LA on a bright-yellow, custom three-wheel motorcycle. And he gave cars to friends.

After years of little performing and lots of drug and personal problems, Stone appeared for a few minutes on network television during the 2006 Grammy Awards. Looking unsure of himself and hunched over, he arrived on stage during a tribute to his music, played the keyword and sang for a short spell and abruptly left the stage.

According to a Fox News report, Stone, 68, parks his camper in a residential neighborhood of Crenshaw and relies on the generiosty of a retired couple who gives him food and the use of a shower.

During an interview with The New York Post, Stone said he’s still writing music and has plans for a new album. A movie documentary about Stone’s life is reportedly scheduled for release later this year.