Musical News - Ronnie Wilson (The Gao Band)

Ronnie Wilson, former member of the Gap Band, has died on November 1, 2021 at the approximate age of 73, following a long illness.

The Gap Band, consisting of brothers Robert, Ronnie, and Charlie Wilson, was formed in the early 1970s in their hometown of Tulsa, OK. The band was named for the three streets Greenwood, Archer and Pine, in commemoration of the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921. Like many great artists, the brothers got their start in church, at very young ages.

Throughout the 1980s, the Gap Band became one of our favorite groups, putting out such hits as “I Don't Believe You Want to Get Up and Dance (Oops!)” (1979), “Yearning for Your Love” and “Burn Rubber on Me (Why You Wanna Hurt Me)” (1980), and “Early in the Morning” and “Outstanding” (1982). We always considered the Gap Band our traveling music, playing them loudly when approaching home from long road trips.

Ronnie’s roles in the band included vocals, trumpet, flugelhorn, piano, synthesizer, percussion, and songwriter.

Many of the Gap Band's hits have been sampled by artists such as Tyler, the Creator, Ashanti, Blackstreet, Mary J. Blige, Da Brat, Ice Cube, Jermaine Dupri, and Vesta.

Following the death of Robert in 2010, brothers Ronnie and Charlie had a public dispute over use of the band’s name.

Ronnie Wilson

(1948 – November 1, 2021)

© 11/02/2021

Musical News - William Shelby (Dynasty & Lakeside)

William Shelby, co-founder of the Los Angeles based 1970s and 1980s group Dynasty and a member of Dayton, OH based Lakeside has passed away on October 27, 2021 at the age of 65.

Shelby was a lead vocalist, keyboardist, and songwriter with Dynasty, co-writing “I’ve Just Begun to Love You” (1980), among other songs. He also wrote for Shalamar, the Whispers, and the Sylvers.

After leaving Dynasty, Shelby joined his brother Thomas as a vocalist in super funk group Lakeside.

Shelby’s name was not well known to the general public, but his influence on the world of funk was impactful.

William Shelby

(September 30, 1956 – October 27, 2021)

© 11/02/2021

Musical News - Regi Hargis (Brick)

Regi Hargis, co-founder and lead guitarist of the huge platinum selling 1970s band Brick, passed away on Friday, October 15, 2021 of undisclosed causes, at the age of 70.

Brick was formed in the mid-1970s in Atlanta, GA. Its first hit song was “Dazz” (1976), co-written by Hargis. The term “dazz” was coined as a combination of the words “disco” and “jazz,” an apt description of their unique style of music. We have always been lovers of music, and we certainly loved all of Brick’s most popular songs, several of which were co-written by Hargis.

In 1977, Brick released “Dusic,” a combination of “disco” and “music.” Other popular songs by Brick were “We Don’t Wanna Sit Down, We Wanna Get Down” from 1977 and “Ain’t Gonna Hurt Nobody” from 1978.

Our love of music has led us to appreciate many talented artists from days gone by, but Brick surely kept us dancing.

We hope Regi is still playing and composing and making people dance, wherever he is!

Reginald “Regi” Hargis

(* 1951 – October 15, 2021)

© 10/19/2021

Musical News - Dennis Thomas (Kool & the Gang)

Dennis “Dee Tee” Thomas , a co-founder of Kool & the Gang, passed away in his sleep on August 8, 2021, at the age of 70.

Kool & the Gang was formed in 1964 by New Jersey high school friends, including brothers Robert “Kool” Bell and Ronald Nathan Bell. Their first album, “Kool & the Gang” was released in 1969 and contained all instrumental tracks.

Dee Tee was the band’s alto saxophonist, and was a part of the band until his death.

Kool & the Gang was extremely popular throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, releasing such hits as “Funky Stuff” and “Jungle Boogie” in 1973, “Hollywood Swinging” in 1974, “Summer Madness” in 1975, “Ladies Night” and “Too Hot” in 1979, and the crowd-pleasing “Celebration” in 1980.

Dee Tee was known for his hip style of dress and his cool demeanor.

Kool & the Gang is definitely one of our all-time favorite groups, and they will never be forgotten.

Dennis “Dee Tee” Thomas

(February 9, 1951 – August 8, 2021)

© 08/09/2021

Biz Markie, born on April 8, 1964 as Marcel Theo Hall, died on July 16, 2021 at the age of 57. His death was as a result of complications of diabetes.

The Biz was a rapper, writer, singer, DJ, beatboxer, record producer, actor, and comedian. He was perhaps best known for his 1989 single "Just a Friend". Our personal favorite, however, was “Vapors” from 1988. He was affectionately known as the "Clown Prince of Hip Hop”.

Biz began his career in New York City nightclubs in the early 1980s. He made too many television appearances throughout the years to even name.

We love you, Biz!

Marcel Theo “Biz Markie” Hall

(April 8, 1964 – July 16, 2021)

© 07/16/2021

Musical News - Walter L. Jones (Enchantment)

Walter L. Jones , former member of the 1970s R&B group Enchantment passed away on June 7, 2021.

Enchantment was formed in Detroit, MI in the late 1960s, but it wasn’t until 1976 that the group recorded its first hits, “Sunshine” and “Gloria”, followed in 1978 by “It’s You That I Need”.

Mr. Jones’ contribution to the group was as an outstanding first tenor.

A change in the group’s recording company in 1980 led to a downturn in the group’s popularity, along with a change in music styles.

I can still hear “Gloria” playing in my head, some 45 years later.

Walter L. Jones

(* – June 7, 2021)

© 06/12/2021

Musical News - Shock G (Digital Ubderground)

Shock G of Digital Underground (born Gregory Jacobs on August 25, 1963 in New York City, NY) died om April 22, 2021, at the age of 57.

Shock G, also known as Humpty Hump, began his career as a drummer, winning a junior high talent show in 1978. He soon traded in his drums for a set of turntables. At 16, he was the youngest radio disc jockey employed at an R&B station in Tampa, FL. He subsequently taught himself to play piano, while backpacking around the country.

Shock G ultimately landed in Oakland, CA, co-founded Digital Underground with Chopmaster J, and the late Kenneth Waters (a.k.a. Kenny-K), and began writing, producing, and performing increasingly popular music. “The Humpty Dance” was released in 1990, and went platinum. Tupac Shakur joined Digital Underground in 1991 and appeared in the song and video "Same Song".

Throughout his career, Shock G racked up a host of producing, performing, and acting credits, including appearing in “Nothing but Trouble” in 1991.

Shock G was a true rap pioneer. RIP Humpty Hump!

Gregory Edward “Shock G” Jacobs

(August 25, 1963 – April 22, 2021)

© 04/23/2021