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Cynthia Robinson
1944 - 2015
Cynthia Robinson
1944 - 2015
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1944
DIED
2015
Cynthia Robinson Obituary
Robinson first joined Sly Stone in a short-lived group called Sly and the Stoners in 1966. Soon after, he asked her to be a member of the Family Stone, whose lineup of black and white musicians of both sexes and its hippie sensibilities closely reflected the ideals of the counterculture.
She supplied the funky trumpet sounds and also contributed vocals. She is part of the "hey, hey, hey" chorus in the group’s song, "I Want To Take You Higher."
Robinson had known Stone in high school by his real name, Sylvester Stewart, and had followed him when he was a disc jockey at the San Francisco radio station KSOL. When they met up again in the mid-1960s, she did not realize that "Sly Stone" was her former friend. By then he was a musician and record producer who wanted to form a musical group.
The Family Stone's first album, "A Whole New Thing," released in 1967, went nowhere, but "Dance to the Music," released the following year, scored a top-10 hit with the title song. Other popular songs were "Everyday People," "Stand," "Hot Fun in the Summertime" and "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Again)."
The group broke up in 1975, but Robinson continued to record with Stone into the next decade. She played with the funk band Graham Central Station, led by her cousin and fellow Family Stone member Larry Graham, and worked with George Clinton and Prince. In 2006, she began playing with a new version of the Family Stone, which included her daughter with Stone, Sylvette Phunne Robinson, also known as Phunne Stone.
Robinson leaves another daughter, Laura Marie Robinson, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
71 Entries
Donald J Brookins
March 10, 2025
A brilliant trumpet player and musician
Syrus Esaw
March 3, 2025
To a true pioneer, thank you for being yourself and for all you gave to the world!
Carolyn
February 18, 2025
Cynthia I can remember dancing to you the Family Stone on tv, as a little girl. I remember you having so much soul and power to your music...may you have rest and may God Bless you.
OVERBROOK HILLTOP, PHILA PA 19151
September 6, 2023
For the luv of Cynthia´s music, & voice making many children happy & intrigued!
OVERBROOK HILLTOP, PHILA PA 19151
How you can show support
Sam Gaskins
March 5, 2023
I miss you.
Luc Guenette
February 17, 2021
i was there when Sly and family stone came out, only in past couple years, for some great reason i started focusing on Cynthia.such a gutsy talented young woman till the end.
Carl Williams
February 7, 2021
Set the vibration was such a sweet and gentle person she was a cousin of mind she took me to sly and the family stone wedding and reception in New York i had such a great time.
Raja G.
March 29, 2020
Cynthia, you were a pioneer and a very talented musician. God blessed you with so much and you were such an inspiration to other females all the whilst being way ahead of your time. Thank you for the love you gave to all of us.
Patricia Reyes
January 7, 2019
You were a unique singer and a great musician, paving the way of encouragement for other female artists.
Jennifer Tokatyan
December 28, 2018
Cynthia was a dear friend to my father and helped take care of him through challenging health times. She was a remarkable woman and was so kind to me. I would very much like to get in touch with her daughters. If they are reading this, will you reach out to me?
Bonnie Gilbert
December 9, 2018
Came by Ms. Robinson's obituary by accident today as I was searching for some good music to listen to. My condolences to the family for their loss. It is always a shock when the great ones go home - we want them here forever. I am so glad to have lived in the time that was Cythia Robinson. Amazing blessing she shared.
Voreece Serrano soto
October 9, 2018
I'm very sorry for your loss remember you from 3rd Avenue in Oak Park Sacramento I used to come over you guys house and listen to you play your music I was young girl then I'm 62 years old now and still think about you may you rest in peace
Jeffery Tharp
June 14, 2018
Thank you Cynthia for ur grace and talent..
Dan Farnsworth
February 9, 2018
great female trumpeter , now playing in God's band !! God bless.
Darlean Lewis
November 6, 2017
I love you Cynthia and thank you so much for all the great music with Sly. Your the BEST triumph player of all times and you will be miss! I listen to Sly music from a baby to now and will continue forever. Rest In Peace Cynthia God Bless!
Windy Roberts
August 21, 2017
Rest in heavenly peace Cynthia. I enjoyed your gifts and talents. Thank you for sharing that. Thanks for bringing The Stone Band to the Mississippi Coast. Where I first and last saw you and the band. My son and I enjoyed the show. You guys were great. I grew up listening to Sly &The Family Stone. Collected Your albums. Loved your music. You guys represent and praised Sly for starting the band. Shows how respectful and kind you guys were. I will never forget that. You we're the best. RIP angel. You are missed.
Charles Campbell
July 26, 2017
You will be dearly missed! I would look for you every time, the group would perform!
lil g
April 14, 2017
The poet Kahlil Gibran wrote, "Fame is the shadow of passion standing in the light."
Cynthia was passionate about her musical sound. Her talent, professionalism, and grace was an ethereal halo of joy present in every performance.
I always perceived Cynthia as "the real deal Queen of Cool"...natural, not contrived.
Thank you Cynthia for your courage to step forward and share your sound.
You are missed, but not forgotten.
Jeannettea Knight
January 16, 2017
Gone but never forgotten!
Valenda Newell
June 27, 2016
Thanks for representing women, being the first lead trumpeter in a funky rock band. The music that came from SLY and FAMILY STONE was political, radical and racial. Enjoyed the music for years! BLESSINGS BLESSINGS BLESSINGS
Doris Andrews
December 10, 2015
Cynthia, you were a huge part of my childhood. I adored you and Sly. You all were my favorite group. I began playing trumpet because of you, which was my very first instrument. I'm sure I was not the only little girl who felt a sense of musical empowerment because of you. You will be missed. Take your rest, and your place in music history!
Lovingly,
Doris Andrews aka A'Doris
A Fan
December 5, 2015
One of the Best, May God be with her family and friends
Kathleen
December 5, 2015
It was an honor to meet you, now the Angels in Heaven rejoice with your presence. RIP Kathleen & Rich Craig
Stacey Gaines
January 16, 2016
That's my Auntie. No one in the world like you . Love you❤
Paris MIxon
January 15, 2016
RIH
December 11, 2015
My deepest condolences. May God provide you with the strength and comfort you need as you cope with your loss. (Psalms 9:9 NWT)
~Angela Flores
Las Vegas, NV
Aunt Kathy, Missi, Alicia, Lonnie, Eric Family
December 10, 2015
We love you All, Aunt ZiZi, Laura, Phunn, Lollie, Duncan, Anthony and Babies
Melissa (Missi) Bax
December 10, 2015
For All my heart, All my spirit, Your presence will be missed. But your Essence will remain Forever. I Love You Always Auntie. Sleep tight, my Angel.
December 8, 2015
MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR ALL THE MUSIC THAT YOUR GIVEN TO MY GENERATION AND THE WORLD. MARVIN WILLIAMS COLUMBUS ,OHIO
peter colgan
December 8, 2015
Cynthia and Jerry got a message that's certain....ALL THE SQUARES GO HOME.....love Peter
La Le (Lollie) Wallace
December 8, 2015
I will miss you Aunt Cynthia. Celebrating my birthday will not be the same. Although, we were born several years apart, I was blessed to share the same birth month with you (4 days apart.)
I will miss your call....something we always did on each other's B-day. I, I will miss you very, very much. Love, hugs and smooches. Rest in peace.
G. Freeman
December 8, 2015
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
Gary Smith
December 8, 2015
May God bless you may you rest in peace
Gary Smith
December 8, 2015
JW
December 8, 2015
Our condolences to the Robinson family, and many friends . We have thoroughly enjoyed Cynthia's musical and vocal talents through the years. Her share has always been key, memorable. May the God who gives hope, grant you the strength and wisdom needed day by day to cope with your great loss. And may you find comfort and security from one who cannot lie - "he said: Tabitha, rise! She opened her eyes, and as she caught sight of Peter, she sat up. 41 Giving her his hand, he raised her up, and he called the holy ones and the widows and presented her alive. (Acts 9:40,41)
One of the two times I was able to see Cynthia this year at the 50th anniversary!
Marciel Garner
December 8, 2015
We will miss you Cynthia very much...Rest In His Arms.
December 8, 2015
Cynthia-Rest in peace.
Brenda Carter
December 7, 2015
All the songs mentioned bring back pleasant memories of the 60's and 70's. I loved to dance, and these songs made dancing and enjoying life so easy. My earnest petition is that all members of the Johnson family find comfort in knowing that our heavenly Father cares for you and is saddened by your grief. All is not lost, however, He promises us endless life free of all sickness, pain, and death. He guarantees us a happy future surrounded by those we have loved and lost. Heartfelt condolences to all of you!
December 6, 2015
A big influence and forerunner for a lot of young musicians like myself "back in the day". Thanks for showing the world how to dance to the music.
December 6, 2015
SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. TRUST IN GOD IN THIS TIME OF SORRY.
old fan
December 6, 2015
Loved "Dance to the Music" as well as her other songs. Truly talented singer and musician. Sympathies to her daughters.
KM
December 6, 2015
I am sorry for your loss. Please find peace and comfort in knowing God cares for you and will help you in your time of need. At 1 Pet. 5:7, He invites you to "throw all your anxiety upon Him." Continue to rely on Him for strength during this difficult time.
THE COFIELD FAMILY
December 6, 2015
To the Robinson Family and Friends, and Sly and The Family Stone Members Current and Past:
You have my deepest sympathy in the lost of Cynthia..A GREAT TALENT. May GOD give you all strength in the days, months, and years to come..MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL...
nadine calloway
December 5, 2015
you will truly be missed, you blew a mean horn, we've followed your music for years.you will remain in our hearts condolences go out to your family.
terry martini
December 5, 2015
sweet dreams you made a big mark in your life with sly and the family stone you are in peace now no more pain and in heaven blowing your horn in that rock ' roll heaven band r.i.p.
AM
December 5, 2015
May your heart be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
December 5, 2015
May the peace that excel all thought guard your heart and give you comfort..philp.4:7..
Condolence to the family.....
A Woman
December 5, 2015
I listened to both groups and never knew that a woman was on trumpet! You rocked my world with your trumpet! My deepest condolences to family and friends. May your memories of her bring you peace during this most difficult time.
December 4, 2015
To the family and every one that loved Cynthia, I am truly sorry for your loss. My condolences to the family and friends. Psalms 94:19
Sandra Twine
December 4, 2015
Just saw her this past summer in Newark, NJ. Enjoyed the show very much but I could see that she was in pain. R.I.P. a great horn players.
Donna Shepherd
December 4, 2015
To the Family, You have my sympathy in the loss of your loved one. I grew up dancing to the sounds of Sly and the Family Stone. May you be comforted in the days ahead. A Fan......
Mr. & Mrs, Charles G. Turner, Sr. & Family
December 4, 2015
To the family of the late Cynthia Robinson
May God Bless And Comfort You
By: Charles G. Turner, Sr.
At times like this when we don't know what to do
Just talk to God and he will see you through
When words sometimes just won't do and you don't know what to say
Just talk to God and let him have his way
When friends and family come and go
Just remember that God has an open door
At times like this when words alone won't do
May God bless and comfort you
December 4, 2015
Enjoyed the music R.I.H. u will be missed
Teresa
December 4, 2015
I grew up in the bay area and no other band could out funk sly and the family stone! CYNTHIA was a trail blazer and a truly awesome artist and human being. Rest in peace. You will be missed.. but the music lives forever.
Jim Sawchak
December 4, 2015
Thanks for the memories, one of my all time favorite bands. Your efforts broke a lot of cultural barriers, Rock and Roll heaven gets even better!
December 4, 2015
Her legacy will not be forgotten. Our condolences to her family.
December 4, 2015
Wow! I enjoyed this obituary. I grew up listening to all the groups Ms. Robinson contributed to. My sincere sympathy to the family. Her memory will live on through the music and family but most importantly, Almighty God will remember all those sleeping in the grave.
Garth
December 3, 2015
Her dedication to her art was beautiful and I give the family my deepest condolences. May the God of all comfort give you peace
December 3, 2015
Her wonderful performance this summer in Hamden, CT will be in our thoughts forever. May your family be comforted with pleasant memories in this time of sadness.
Jordan & Christine - New Haven, CT
H. C.
December 3, 2015
I am sorry for your loss. May the hope of seeing Cynthia again in paradise console the sorrow of your hearts. She will be missed by all.
Bridget Wilson
December 3, 2015
REST IN PEACE! May God continue to bless your family!
December 3, 2015
Sorry for the loss of your dear loved one Cynthia. May you have peace and comfort now and in the days to come.
Gina Logan
December 3, 2015
A great artist and memorable presence. Her music made my life brighter. May she rest in peace.
Jane Dowling
December 3, 2015
God bless you and your loved ones ~ Rest in peace.
Douglas Chinn
December 3, 2015
Peace and Blessings Family. Gone but not Forgotten.if I could hear the horn blow/Cindy and Jerry got a message that says--
Jeneva Thomas
December 3, 2015
sorry for your loss
December 3, 2015
Sylvette, Laura, Family, Friends,
Our condolences to Cynthia daughters and family. Our prayers are with all who knew and loved her. We loved her music. She is missed. Talk about her memorys
with others. May the God who gives peace be with all of you.--RO.15:33
Dwayne Bickham,Sr.
December 2, 2015
In God's care, rest in peace.
Kent
December 2, 2015
RIP
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