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

Musical News - DMX

Dark Man X, famed rapper and Grammy nominee Eric Simmons, known all over the world as DMX, died on April 9, 2021 of a heart attack, at the age of 50.

On April 2, 2021, DMX was hospitalized in New York, following “catastrophic cardiac arrest” at his home in White Plains. He remained in a coma and on life support for a week before his passing.

Earl Simmons was born on December 18, 1970 in Mount Vernon, New York. Despite a rough childhood, Earl began beatboxing for a local rapper at the age of 14. It was around that time that Earl was introduced to illegal drugs, leading to a lifetime of incarceration and other legal troubles.

In 1988, DMX began selling his mixtapes on the streets of New York. The Source magazine acknowledged Earl in 1991 for his accomplishments. In 1992, Earl was signed to Ruffhouse, which released his debut single "Born Loser". DMX’s second single, "Make a Move" was released in 1994. He also made a guest appearance on the classic underground track "Time to Build" on Mic Geronimo's debut album in 1995.

From 1996 through 1998, DMX made guest appearances on singles for Ma$e, and LL Cool J. In 1998, DMX released his debut major-label single, "Get at Me Dog", which was certified gold. The single "Ruff Ryders' Anthem", was released in May 1998. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and sold over five million copies. His second album, “Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood” debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and went multi-platinum.

DMX’s third album “And Then There Was X,” was released in December 1999 and produced “Party Up,” his first top ten hit. The album was certified six-times platinum.

DMX continued to produce music and tour up until 2019, releasing "X Gon' Give It to Ya" in 2003.

Along with his musical career, DMX paved a way as an actor. He starred in the 1998 film “Belly” and appeared in 2000′s “Romeo Must Die” with Jet Li and Aaliyah. DMX and Aaliyah teamed up for “Come Back in One Piece” on the film’s soundtrack. DMX also starred in 2001′s “Exit Wounds” with Steven Seagal and 2003′s “Cradle 2 the Grave” with Jet Li.

Earl “DMX” Simmons

(December 18, 1970 – April 9, 2021)

© 04/09/2021

Musical News - Reggie Warren (Troop)

Reggie Warren,, one of the five original members of the 1980s R&B group TROOP (Total Respect of Other People) died on March 14, 2021 at the age of 52. The cause of his death was not immediately known.

TROOP was formed in the 1980s from a group of childhood friends in Pasadena, CA. They were signed to Atlantic Records and in 1988 released their first single “Mamacita,” which reached No. 2 on the Billboard charts, Subsequent singles “Spread My Wings” and “All I Do Is Think of You" were released in 1990, and both reached No, 1 on the Billboard charts. Their 1989 album “Attitude” was certified platinum in 1990.

In 1991, TROOP appeared in the feature film New Jack City singing an a cappella version of “For the Love of Money.”

The group took a hiatus from 1998 until 2004, at which time the group resumed touring.

R.I.P Reggie Warren. Spread your wings.

Reggie Warren

(1969 – March 14, 2021)

© 03/14/2021

Musical News - James Burke (The Five Stairsteps)

James Burke, sometime lead singer of the Five Stairsteps, died of pneumonia on February 19, 2021, at the age of 70.

The Five Stairsteps was formed in the mid-1960s in Chicago, IL and consisted of four brothers and one sister.

The group, known as "The First Family of Soul", had several hits beginning with 1966’s “You Waited Too Long” and “World of Fantasy”, and “A Million to One” from 1968. Their biggest hit was 1970’s “O-o-h Child”, led by James. The group added sibling Cubie prior to disbanding. Brother Keni Burke began his solo career in 1977 and released a self-titled album which produced no hits of its own. He became a popular session bass player who worked with Sly & the Family Stone, Natalie Cole, Billy Preston, Les McCann, the Emotions, The Four Tops, Redman, Stargard, Curtis Mayfield, Bill Withers, Silk, Narada Michael Walden, and Ramsey Lewis. His second solo album contained “Risin' to the Top” in 1982.

The Five Stairsteps became The Invisible Man’s Band in 1978, releasing the highly danceable hit “All Night Thing” in 1980.

Brother Clarence Burke Jr. died on May 26, 2013. Cubie Burke died on May 14, 2014.

It is always heartbreaking to lose a part of one’s past, and so we will miss James and The Five Stairsteps.

James Burke

(1951 – February 19, 2021)

© 02/24/2021

Musical News - Prince Markie Dee (The Fat Boys)

Prince Markie Dee, former member of the famous 1980s rap group The Fat Boys, died on February 18, 2021 (one day before his birthday), at the age of 52. The cause of death was not reported.

He was named Mark Anthony Morales upon his birth in Brooklyn. NY.

As a member of The Fat Boys, Morales appeared in the 1985 film “Krush Groove” and the 1987 film “Disorderlies”.

The Fat Boys were among the first rap groups to release full-length rap albums. Some of their more well-known songs are “Fat Boys” and “All You Can Eat”.

After the breakup of The Fat Boys, Morales went on to a fairly successful solo career, formed a record production company called Soul Convention, and wrote and produced tracks for Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, and Craig Mack, among others. He was also a beloved radio disc jockey in Miami, FL.

Morales’ solo career consisted of the immensely popular “Typical Reasons (Swing My Way)” from 1992.

It is always distressing to hear of the demise of famous musicians from our past, particularly at a relatively young age. Prince Markie Dee will be missed.

“Prince Markie Dee” Morales

(February 19, 1968 – February 18, 2021)

© 02/19/2021

Musical News - Mary Wilson (the Supremes)

Mary Wilson, founding member of the stars of Motown, the Supremes, has passed away on February 8, 2021, at the age of 76. Her cause of death was not immediately disclosed.

Ms. Wilson was born in Greenville, MS on March 6, 1944. She lived in St. Louis, MO and Chicago, IL prior to landing in Detroit, MI in the early 1950s. She joined the Primettes in 1959, before graduating high school. They were signed to Motown in 1961, at which time the group’s name was changed to the Supremes. The rest, as they say, is history,

The Supremes began a string of number 1 hits in 1964 with “Where Did Our Love Go”. Ms. Wilson sang background on 10 of the 12 hits. She was the longest-lasting member of the Supremes, being a member until the group disbanded in 1977. She enjoyed a brief solo career following the group’s breakup.

Ms. Wilson produced a best-selling memoir, “Dreamgirl: My Life as a Supreme”, in 1986 and a second best-selling memoir, ‘Supreme Faith: Someday We'll Be Together” in 1990.

Ms. Wilson was involved in various legal disputes over the management of the Supremes and over the name itself. She played a role in lobbying for the “Truth in Music” legislation, which determines who is allowed to use a group’s name.

Ms. Wilson continued to perform concerts and appear on shows such as “Dancing with the Stars”. She performed work for various charities, namely Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, the American Cancer Society, St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, and the NAACP.

Ms. Wilson received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Newspaper Publishers Association in 2020. She was inducted, along with the Supremes, into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame class of 2013.

This truly marks the end of an era.

Mary Wilson

(March 6, 1944 – February 8, 2021)

© 02/09/2021